2026 Best Value Other Social Sciences Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego tops our 2026 list of the best value other social sciences schools in California. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical student debt for other social sciences graduates is $17,101. Other Social Sciences graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $60,797 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

Students looking for strong value in other social sciences will find it at University Of California Riverside, which ranked #2. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $17,833 to complete the other social sciences program here. Early-career other social sciences graduates make about $39,934. Set against $17,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for other social sciences. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical student debt for other social sciences graduates is $15,000. Other Social Sciences graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $61,109 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

4

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Students looking for strong value in other social sciences will find it at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, which ranked #4. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Other Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other social sciences degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $28,931. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

5

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA

A rank of #5 makes Azusa Pacific University one of the best values for other social sciences. Set in the suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Other Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Early-career other social sciences graduates make about $46,937. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.