2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in California? Our ranking highlights 668 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 152 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in California
Explore the best-value schools below:
Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in California. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,692. Santa Rosa Junior College alumni report median earnings of $47,224 a decade after entry. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
You'll get strong value at Foothill College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Los Altos Hills, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,590. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Foothill College
You'll get strong value at Canada College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Redwood City, CA, Canada College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,087. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Canada College
A rank of #4 makes Santa Barbara City College one of the best values in California. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,240 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,432. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,090. Santa Barbara City College alumni report median earnings of $47,647 a decade after entry. Set against $21,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Santa Barbara City College
You'll get strong value at Cuesta College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, Cuesta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,350, with out-of-state students paying around $11,010. Graduates carry a median of $18,958 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,047. Set against $18,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuesta College profile
Merced College placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Based in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Students borrow a median of $9,024 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Merced College alumni report median earnings of $37,815 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,024 median debt. More on Merced College
Napa Valley College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Napa Valley College is a public school based in Napa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. Get the full Napa Valley College report
Cerritos College placed #8 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Cerritos College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,156 ten years out. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cerritos College report
Los Angeles City College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $10,763 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,190. Set against $10,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Los Angeles City College profile
Saddleback College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Saddleback College is a public school based in Mission Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. Graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,874. Set against $5,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saddleback College
Moreno Valley College landed the #11 spot for value in California this year. Located in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,643. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Moreno Valley College
Mendocino College placed #12 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Set in Ukiah, CA, Mendocino College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,423, compared with $10,003 for out-of-state students. Mendocino College Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,243 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mendocino College report
Palomar College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Palomar College is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,354, compared with $10,650 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,300. Read more about Palomar College
College Of The Canyons placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Based in Santa Clarita, CA, College Of The Canyons is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,166, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on College Of The Canyons
Evergreen Valley College landed the #15 spot for value in California this year. Set in San Jose, CA, Evergreen Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,366 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,718 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,981. Evergreen Valley College alumni report median earnings of $53,077 a decade after entry. Set against $12,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Evergreen Valley College profile
Santa Ana College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Santa Ana College is a public school based in Santa Ana, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Santa Ana College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,196 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. Set against $11,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
Butte College placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Set in Oroville, CA, Butte College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,356, while out-of-state students pay about $9,276. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,302. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. Set against $13,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Butte College
Coastline Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Fountain Valley, CA, Coastline Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $11,612 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $44,483 ten years out. See the full Coastline Community College profile
East Los Angeles College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Based in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. East Los Angeles College Science & Tech students take on a median of $8,180 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full East Los Angeles College report
Cypress College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cypress, CA, Cypress College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,150, compared with $12,379 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,533. See the full Cypress College profile
Sacramento City College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Sacramento City College Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,180 in debt. Sacramento City College alumni report median earnings of $42,214 a decade after entry. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sacramento City College
Riverside City College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Riverside, CA, Riverside City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. Students borrow a median of $8,767 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $41,091 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,767 median debt. Get the full Riverside City College report
San Jose City College landed the #23 spot for value in California this year. San Jose City College is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,366 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,922 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $46,215 ten years out. Read the full report on San Jose City College
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $9,772. San Joaquin Delta College Science & Tech students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,212 ten years after entry. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
Bakersfield College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Bakersfield College is a public school based in Bakersfield, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,430, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,419. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,291. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bakersfield College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in California
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southwestern College Chula Vista landed the #26 spot for value in California this year. Southwestern College Chula Vista is a public school based in Chula Vista, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,344, while out-of-state students pay about $10,640. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,205. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,060. That is a strong return on a $11,205 median debt. See the full Southwestern College Chula Vista profile
Rio Hondo College placed #27 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Located in Whittier, CA, Rio Hondo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,388, with out-of-state students paying around $9,884. Graduates carry a median of $15,510 in student loans. Rio Hondo College alumni report median earnings of $44,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,510 median debt. Get the full Rio Hondo College report
Mt San Antonio College placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Located in Walnut, CA, Mt San Antonio College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,384. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,283. That is a strong return on a $9,384 median debt. Read the full report on Mt San Antonio College
Golden West College placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Based in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,380, compared with $11,628 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,500. Golden West College alumni report median earnings of $43,145 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Golden West College report
Shasta College placed #30 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. Located in Redding, CA, Shasta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,197, compared with $8,853 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,275 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,269. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Shasta College
City College Of San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in San Francisco, CA, City College Of San Francisco is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,696, compared with $14,656 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,332 in student loans. City College Of San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $45,805 a decade after entry. Set against $10,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full City College Of San Francisco profile
Fresno City College landed the #32 spot for value in California this year. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,378 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,361. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt. Read the full report on Fresno City College
Orange Coast College landed the #33 spot for value in California this year. Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,640 for out-of-state students. Orange Coast College Science & Tech students take on a median of $8,978 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,348. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt. More on Orange Coast College
West Hills College Lemoore placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in California. This public school is set in Lemoore, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,384 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,954. Students borrow a median of $9,687 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,292. Set against $9,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Hills College Lemoore profile
Modesto Junior College landed the #35 spot for value in California this year. Located in Modesto, CA, Modesto Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,575. Modesto Junior College alumni report median earnings of $42,368 a decade after entry. Set against $8,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Modesto Junior College report
San Diego City College landed the #36 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,146 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,514. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full San Diego City College report
Ventura College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Ventura, CA, Ventura College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Ventura College Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,430 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ventura College
San Bernardino Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in San Bernardino, CA, San Bernardino Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,196, with out-of-state students paying around $4,528. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $19,500. San Bernardino Valley College alumni report median earnings of $39,676 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Read more about San Bernardino Valley College
College Of The Redwoods landed the #39 spot for value in California this year. College Of The Redwoods is a public school based in Eureka, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,196, while out-of-state students pay about $8,852. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. College Of The Redwoods alumni report median earnings of $36,243 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Redwoods
Victor Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Victorville, CA, Victor Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,425, with out-of-state students paying around $10,125. The median Science & Tech program debt is $7,995. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,119. Set against $7,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Victor Valley College
Cabrillo College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Aptos, CA, Cabrillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,270 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,862. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrillo College
American River College landed the #42 spot for value in California this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,105 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,162 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American River College
College Of The Desert offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. College Of The Desert is a public school based in Palm Desert, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,326, compared with $10,174 for out-of-state students. College Of The Desert Science & Tech students take on a median of $7,826 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,020. That is a strong return on a $7,826 median debt. Read more about College Of The Desert
San Diego Miramar College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. San Diego Miramar College is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Graduates carry a median of $8,098 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,224. That is a strong return on a $8,098 median debt. Read more about San Diego Miramar College
El Camino Community College District ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Torrance, CA, El Camino Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,144, while out-of-state students pay about $7,630. El Camino Community College District alumni report median earnings of $41,589 a decade after entry. Get the full El Camino Community College District report
San Diego Mesa College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego Mesa College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Students borrow a median of $6,999 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,120 ten years after entry. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Diego Mesa College report
Reedley College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Reedley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Reedley College Science & Tech students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,493 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Reedley College
Pasadena City College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Pasadena City College is a public school based in Pasadena, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,937. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Pasadena City College
Mt San Jacinto Community College District came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a public school based in San Jacinto, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,448, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. Students borrow a median of $8,770 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,319 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mt San Jacinto Community College District report
College Of The Sequoias ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Visalia, CA, College Of The Sequoias is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,394, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Students borrow a median of $10,288 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,092 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt. See the full College Of The Sequoias profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 152 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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