2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in California? Our ranking highlights 668 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 61 schools to produce 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 Teaching Degree Schools in California
Explore the best-value schools below:
Concordia University Irvine tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teaching degree schools in California. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
You'll get strong value at California State University Sacramento, which ranked #2 this year. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
A rank of #3 makes California State University Fullerton one of the best values in California. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full California State University Fullerton report
California State University Northridge came in at #4 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in California. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. The median Teaching program debt is $16,202. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State University Long Beach came in at #5 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in California. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $15,671. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Long Beach
California State University San Bernardino came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. California State University San Bernardino is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $15,149. Median earnings reach $59,977 ten years out. Set against $15,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full California State University San Bernardino report
San Jose State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
California State University Bakersfield landed the #8 spot for value in California this year. California State University Bakersfield is a public school based in Bakersfield, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. California State University Bakersfield admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about California State University Bakersfield
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. California State University Los Angeles Teaching students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Los Angeles
California State University East Bay landed the #10 spot for value in California this year. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Teaching program here. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Fresno
University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #12 spot for value in California this year. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $18,559. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,024 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Francisco State University
California State University San Marcos landed the #14 spot for value in California this year. Based in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. California State University San Marcos Teaching students take on a median of $17,527 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,908 ten years out. Set against $17,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants. More on California State University San Marcos
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #15 spot for value in California this year. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State University Dominguez Hills placed #17 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. This public school is set in Carson, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,454, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. California State University Dominguez Hills Teaching students take on a median of $15,886 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Dominguez Hills
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University Stanislaus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,188 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Stanislaus has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on California State University Stanislaus
Sonoma State University placed #20 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Based in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. The median Teaching program debt is $18,031. Sonoma State University alumni report median earnings of $65,986 a decade after entry. Set against $18,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Sonoma State University
California State University Chico ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $18,591. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,591 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Chico
University Of California Berkeley placed #22 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Teaching students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Teaching program debt is $16,097. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Point Loma Nazarene University Teaching students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in California
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of California Riverside placed #26 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. University Of California Riverside is a public school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median Teaching program debt is $19,187. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
University Of California San Diego came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about University Of California San Diego
University Of California Davis came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,539. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Fresno Pacific University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. The median Teaching program debt is $24,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fresno Pacific University
Notre Dame De Namur University landed the #31 spot for value in California this year. Notre Dame De Namur University is a private not-for-profit school based in Belmont, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,792 in tuition and fees. Notre Dame De Namur University Teaching students take on a median of $26,524 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,576. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Notre Dame De Namur University profile
National University landed the #32 spot for value in California this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. National University Teaching students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Dominican University Of California offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Rafael, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,161. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,713. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University Of California has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Dominican University Of California
California Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. California Baptist University Teaching students take on a median of $28,169 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Baptist University profile
Santa Clara University placed #35 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Located in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. The median Teaching program debt is $20,144. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. Read more about Santa Clara University
Ashford University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $39,515. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,515 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
Loyola Marymount University placed #37 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $22,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,248 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Azusa Pacific University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete their Teaching program here. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
California Lutheran University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit school based in Thousand Oaks, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,560. Graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Lutheran University
William Jessup University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Rocklin, CA, William Jessup University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,150. William Jessup University Teaching students take on a median of $21,420 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,420 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on William Jessup University
University Of La Verne landed the #41 spot for value in California this year. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,470. Graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,464 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of La Verne admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of La Verne report
University Of Redlands came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Redlands, CA. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,690 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,175 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Redlands report
Claremont Graduate University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Median earnings reach $64,372 ten years out. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Biola University placed #44 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Located in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,308. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Biola University
Northcentral University landed the #45 spot for value in California this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,594. The median Teaching program debt is $42,500. Median earnings reach $48,414 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northcentral University
Mount St Marys College landed the #46 spot for value in California this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,564 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Teaching program here. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Humphreys College Stockton And Modesto Campuses ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Stockton, CA, Humphreys College Stockton And Modesto Campuses is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,500. Students borrow a median of $42,366 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $39,248 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,366 median debt. See the full Humphreys College Stockton And Modesto Campuses profile
La Sierra University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. Students from in state pay about $37,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,507 in student loans. La Sierra University alumni report median earnings of $61,824 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,507 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full La Sierra University profile
Alliant International University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Alliant International University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,254. Graduates carry a median of $21,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,666. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alliant International University
Saint Marys College Of California placed #50 among the best-value Teaching schools in California. Set in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,803. The median Teaching program debt is $25,041. Median earnings reach $78,812 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California
More Teaching Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · 61 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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