2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Long Beach the best value for a degree in public policy in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $50,982 early in their careers. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at Stanford University, which ranked #2. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

3

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $50,039 early in their careers. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $17,101. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $53,035. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

5

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #5 place for public policy. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $38,262 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for public policy value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $16,097. Early-career public policy graduates make about $66,078. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

7

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside placed #7 among the best values for public policy. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $19,161 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $40,071. That is a strong return on a $19,161 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

8

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #8 among the best values for public policy. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $88,105. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

9

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

10

Pomona College
Claremont, CA

Pomona College landed the #10 spot for public policy value this year. Set in the suburb of Claremont, Pomona College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,420 in tuition and fees. Public Policy graduates of Pomona College earn a median of $75,954 early in their careers. Pomona College admits about 7% of applicants.

11

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $60,750. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.

12

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #12 for value in public policy this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $61,605 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

13

Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University placed #13 among the best values for public policy. Located in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $69,918 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $23,645. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Pepperdine University generally make around $63,804. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.