Best Value Colleges and Universities in California 2021

Located on a sprawling campus with Pacific Ocean views, UC San Diego promotes collaboration and multidisciplinary learning, preparing graduates for leadership roles in a variety of organizations. With over 100 degrees and programs, undergraduates and graduate students can find a good fit at UC San Diego.

UC San Diego uses an undergraduate college system to divide students into smaller communities. The college system allows undergrads to connect with opportunities and customize their experience. Students can choose from majors in the arts and humanities, the biological sciences, and the social sciences.

UC San Diego's Scripps Institute of Oceanography ranks among the world's best research institutions. The unique Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute offers collaborative opportunities in an emerging field.

A public university founded in 1965, UCI promotes research, academics, and public service. Today, UCI enrolls over 30,000 undergraduates, making it among California's largest universities. It also offers top-rated academic programs.

The university offers dozens of academic programs, including over 80 undergraduate majors. Enrollees can study the arts, humanities, and biological sciences at UCI. The university also offers programs in business, engineering, and education. These programs strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills while preparing graduates to act as leaders. In addition to undergraduate programs, UCI offers over 100 graduate and professional degrees.

UCI ranks among the most affordable California programs thanks to its low in-state tuition rates. The university also supports students through merit-based and need-based scholarships, with opportunities for freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students.

A private liberal arts college for women, Scripps dates back to 1926. The college promotes interdisciplinary learning in an inclusive environment. Students benefit from a residential college environment and small class sizes. Scripps' approximately 1,000 undergraduates can choose from dozens of areas of study.

The most popular majors include the social sciences, psychology, English, the life sciences, and natural resources and conservation. Undergrads can also study linguistics, computer science, and organizational studies at another Claremont college. Incoming freshmen complete a three-semester interdisciplinary program to strengthen their analytical and critical thinking skills.

Scripps promises to meet 100% of every student's financial need, as determined by the college. More than half of students receive grants and scholarships, with an average need-based award of around $44,000.

A Catholic institution in Los Angeles, LMU promotes purpose and justice through its academic programs. Founded in 1911, the university offers degrees from its 142-acre campus on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With just under 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, LMU reports a low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes.

LMU offers 60 majors and over 40 graduate programs. Students can earn a degree in business administration, pursue a liberal arts major, or study science and engineering at LMU. The university also offers a School of Film and Television and a College of Communication and Fine Arts. With its close links with Hollywood, LMU also offers a bachelor's in animation, a master of fine arts in writing and producing for television, and degrees in film and television production.

The university supports students through over $200 million in scholarships, grants, and other forms of institutional aid.

A Catholic college in the Bay Area, SMC dates back to 1863, making it one of the oldest colleges in the West. The comprehensive university encourages intellectual curiosity and exploration through its low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes. With around 3,500 students, SMC offers a small college feel with rigorous academic training.

SMC offers over 40 undergraduate majors in addition to graduate programs in leadership, education, counseling, and business. The college includes four schools: the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Science, the School of Education, and the School of Economics and Business Administration. Undergraduates complete collegiate seminars as part of the core curriculum. In these seminars, learners analyze texts and debate ideas. Students can also study abroad and take classes during the January term to explore new areas of study.

One of the best value colleges in California, 91% of SMC students receive financial aid. The college connects students with grants, need-based and merit-based scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities. In 2018-19, students received an average financial aid package of around $38,000.

Founded in 1851, Pacific offers personalized learning through its small classes and nearly 100 majors. Established by Methodist ministers, the university grants degrees from its campus in Stockton. One of California's first universities to admit women and offer a four-year graduation guarantee, Pacific features a rich history.

Students can choose from nine schools and colleges, with majors in areas like business administration, computer science, communication, actuarial science, and athletic training. Students can also participate in research fellowships to gain practical experience.

The university's accelerated programs help dedicated students prepare for a graduate-level program after completing their bachelor's degree. Nearly 90% of students receive financial assistance to help cover their tuition costs. The university reports an average financial aid award of nearly $28,000 per student.

A liberal arts college in Los Angeles, Oxy welcomes students to its 120-acre campus. The college encourages students to balance their time in the classroom with learning in the lab, field, and community. Enrollees benefit from small class sizes, supportive faculty, and mentorship opportunities. Oxy also encourages an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Oxy offers over 40 majors and minors. The school also offers unique opportunities to participate in research, campaigns, and internships with organizations like the United Nations. Learners can study the humanities, the arts, and the sciences at Oxy. Learners can also create a self-designed major. The university encourages strategic thinking and collaboration throughout its programs.

As one of the best value colleges in California, Oxy prioritizes affordability. The university meets 100% of each student's demonstrated financial need, supporting learners with merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and other financial aid support.

A private Catholic institution founded in 1949, USD enrolls over 9,000 students annually. The university promotes innovation and original thinking throughout its community. The university's seven schools and colleges offer multiple academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers over 60 majors and minors, while the School of Business offers eight undergraduate business majors and a master of business administration program. In the unique School of Peace Studies, students can earn a master's in peace and justice to learn how to resolve conflicts and protect human rights.

As one of the best value universities in California, USD reports that most students receive financial assistance. Undergraduates and graduate students benefit from scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.

Founded in 1901 on the Central Coast of California, Cal Poly enrolls nearly 22,000 students annually. The public institution emphasizes hands-on learning, connecting students with local research opportunities in agriculture, tech, and other industries. The university's 9,000-acre campus ranks as one of the largest in the country. The state university offers over 180 areas of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Cal Poly emphasizes learning by doing. Undergraduates complement their classroom experience with real-world learning opportunities. For instance, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences connects learners with partners in the Central Coast ecosystem. The university also offers over 500 study-abroad programs.

A private Jesuit university, USF offers an affordable education in the heart of San Francisco. The university encourages complex thinking and social justice through its liberal arts education. Undergraduates can choose from over 100 majors and minors through the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Undergraduates complete a core liberal arts curriculum designed to challenge assumptions and promote complexity. The university's majors include advertising, comparative literature, critical diversity studies, data science, and architecture. At the graduate level, USF offers programs in education law, and management.

USF also offers over 100 study-abroad options, encouraging students to incorporate international experiences into their education. Most undergraduates at USF receive financial aid. In fall 2019, incoming students received an average of over $26,000 in financial aid, with 90% of first-year students receiving financial assistance.

Founded in 1907, Redlands operates several campuses in Southern California. The university enrolls 2,500 students in over 50 areas of study. The liberal arts institution also prioritizes community service, reporting more than 120,000 community service hours.

At Redlands, undergraduates receive an interdisciplinary liberal arts education. Students can major in areas like accounting, Asian studies, business administration, and creative writing. In the unique communication sciences and disorders major, undergrads learn to identify abnormal communication processes and offer clinical treatments. Redlands also offers a May term, which lets students complete a focused course of study or study abroad.

Over 90% of Redlands students receive financial aid. The university offers merit-based and talent-based scholarships in addition to other forms of financial aid. The Redlands Promise guarantees that the university will cover the cost of any additional courses after four years of study for students on track to earn their degree.

A public university with over 23,000 undergraduate students, UC Santa Barbara ranks among the best value colleges in California. UC Santa Barbara encourages curiosity, ambition, and connection through its programs. The university emphasizes independent thought and critical reasoning while offering research and interdisciplinary opportunities.

UC Santa Barbara offers over 200 areas of study through its colleges, which include the unique College of Creative Studies, the College of Letters and Science, and the College of Engineering. The school offers master's and doctoral programs in areas like international studies, media arts and technology, and materials sciences.

California residents benefit from the low tuition rates of the University of California system. UC Santa Barbara also offers ScholarshipUniverse, a tool for students to identify and apply for scholarships.

A liberal arts and sciences college in the Claremont Colleges system, Pitzer dates back to 1963. The college enrolls 1,000 students annually and emphasizes a personalized approach. Undergraduates can design custom majors and complete local projects as part of their education. Pitzer offers over 40 majors, including popular options like psychology, economics, and environmental analysis.

Enrollees can also study management engineering; media studies; Asian American studies; and science, technology, and society. In addition, undergrads can choose from majors offered at the other Claremont Colleges to widen their academic options.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1 and an average class size of 16, Pitzer offers a small liberal arts feel with many of the resources of a major research institution. Pitzer pays for 100% of admitted students' demonstrated financial need, including scholarships for academic achievement and undocumented students.

Founded in 1861 as a private Christian institution, Chapman enrolls 10,000 students annually. Students can choose from over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs offered at the university's campus in Orange.

Incoming students identify their interests based on what motivates them, including creative expression, helping people, innovation, and decision-making. Chapman's unique areas of study include majors that emphasize analytical thinking, social change, and leadership. The university promotes creative thinking through its inclusive community.

Each year, Chapman invests over $120 million in financial aid for its students. Over 80% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average award in 2020 of more than $28,000 per student. The university's awards include merit- and need-based support, and around 18% of Chapman students receive federal Pell Grants.

A private Christian university, PLNU grants degrees from its campus in San Diego. The university's mission includes building service-minded and engaged citizens. Undergraduates complete a foundational explorations curriculum that emphasizes service and faith. The university prioritizes a low student-to-faculty ratio to encourage learners to build relationships with their instructors.

PLNU offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can pursue study in the arts, health sciences, and social sciences. PLNU also offers a major in Christian studies. At the graduate level, students can pursue a master's in clinical counseling, a doctorate in nursing practice, or a graduate degree in education.

In addition to its on-campus programs, PLNU offers hybrid and online options for students seeking a flexible learning format.