2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Healthcare 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed 125 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 Healthcare Degree Schools in California
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Merced College this year in California. Merced College is a public school based in Merced, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,200, while out-of-state students pay about $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $9,024 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,815. Set against $9,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Merced College
Out of the 125 schools in California in this year's value ranking, Foothill College landed the #2 spot. Foothill College is a public school based in Los Altos Hills, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,565, with out-of-state students paying around $12,590. Foothill College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,595 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,072 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Foothill College
A rank of #3 makes Mendocino College one of the best values in California. Set in Ukiah, CA, Mendocino College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,423, with out-of-state students paying around $10,003. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $40,243 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. See the full Mendocino College profile
A rank of #4 makes West Hills College Lemoore one of the best values in California. Based in Lemoore, CA, West Hills College Lemoore is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,384, with out-of-state students paying around $10,954. West Hills College Lemoore Healthcare students take on a median of $9,687 in debt. West Hills College Lemoore alumni report median earnings of $40,292 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,687 median debt. Get the full West Hills College Lemoore report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Canada College earned it the #5 place in California. Canada College is a public school based in Redwood City, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Healthcare program here. Canada College alumni report median earnings of $50,087 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Canada College
Cuesta College placed #6 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Cuesta College is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,350, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $18,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,047. Set against $18,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuesta College
Santa Barbara City College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Santa Barbara City College is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,240, with out-of-state students paying around $10,432. Graduates carry a median of $21,090 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Santa Barbara City College
Crafton Hills College landed the #8 spot for value in California this year. Based in Yucaipa, CA, Crafton Hills College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,188 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,556. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,553 ten years after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Crafton Hills College
Butte College placed #9 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. This public school is set in Oroville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,356, compared with $9,276 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,302 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $41,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Butte College report
Mt San Antonio College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Walnut, CA, Mt San Antonio College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $46,283 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mt San Antonio College report
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $9,772 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,382 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,212. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. More on Santa Rosa Junior College
Cabrillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Cabrillo College is a public school based in Aptos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,270, with out-of-state students paying around $9,862. Cabrillo College Healthcare students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,114 ten years after entry. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cabrillo College
Napa Valley College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Napa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. More on Napa Valley College
Yuba College landed the #15 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Marysville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,128, compared with $8,208 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,729 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,552. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt. Read more about Yuba College
Gavilan College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Gavilan College is a public school based in Gilroy, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,508, compared with $12,249 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $5,939. Gavilan College alumni report median earnings of $47,169 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,939 median debt. See the full Gavilan College profile
Modesto Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set 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. Typical Healthcare student debt is $8,575. Median earnings reach $42,368 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Modesto Junior College profile
West Hills College Coalinga placed #18 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Set in Coalinga, CA, West Hills College Coalinga is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,384, while out-of-state students pay about $10,954. Students borrow a median of $9,920 to complete their Healthcare program here. West Hills College Coalinga alumni report median earnings of $37,633 a decade after entry. Set against $9,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Hills College Coalinga profile
Victor Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Victorville, CA, Victor Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, with out-of-state students paying around $10,125. Students borrow a median of $7,995 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $36,119 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,995 median debt. Get the full Victor Valley College report
Los Angeles City College placed #20 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Students borrow a median of $10,763 to complete their Healthcare program here. Los Angeles City College alumni report median earnings of $36,190 a decade after entry. Set against $10,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Los Angeles City College
College Of The Sequoias came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. College Of The Sequoias is a public school based in Visalia, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,394, compared with $9,038 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,288. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about College Of The Sequoias
Sacramento City College placed #22 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Located in Sacramento, CA, Sacramento City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,180. Median earnings reach $42,214 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt. See the full Sacramento City College profile
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Glendale, CA, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,191, compared with $10,935 for out-of-state students. Glendale Community College Glendale Ca Healthcare students take on a median of $19,800 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,540. That is a strong return on a $19,800 median debt. Read the full report on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Ventura College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ventura, CA, Ventura College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $20,250. Ventura College alumni report median earnings of $43,430 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Read more about Ventura College
Saddleback College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. Typical Healthcare student debt is $5,707. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,874. That is a strong return on a $5,707 median debt. Read the full report on Saddleback College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in California
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
American River College landed the #26 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. The median Healthcare program debt is $14,105. American River College alumni report median earnings of $40,162 a decade after entry. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American River College report
College Of The Canyons offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Santa Clarita, CA, College Of The Canyons is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,166, while out-of-state students pay about $10,958. Graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,022 ten years out. Set against $9,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about College Of The Canyons
Fresno City College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. 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
College Of The Desert offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Palm Desert, CA, College Of The Desert is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,326, with out-of-state students paying around $10,174. Students borrow a median of $7,826 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of The Desert
Riverside City College placed #30 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Set in Riverside, CA, Riverside City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. Riverside City College Healthcare students take on a median of $8,767 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,091. That is a strong return on a $8,767 median debt. More on Riverside City College
Moorpark College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moorpark, CA, Moorpark College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,044. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Moorpark College profile
Palomar College placed #32 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Palomar College is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,354, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Palomar College alumni report median earnings of $42,300 a decade after entry. Get the full Palomar College report
San Bernardino Valley College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in San Bernardino, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,196 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,528 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,676. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Bernardino Valley College
Cerritos College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Read the full report on Cerritos College
College Of Marin ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Kentfield, CA, College Of Marin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,558, compared with $9,334 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $22,125. College Of Marin alumni report median earnings of $42,654 a decade after entry. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of Marin
Cypress College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Cypress College is a public school based in Cypress, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, with out-of-state students paying around $12,379. Cypress College alumni report median earnings of $43,533 a decade after entry. Read more about Cypress College
Santa Monica College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Santa Monica, CA, Santa Monica College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $10,708. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193. See the full Santa Monica College profile
Bakersfield College placed #38 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. This public school is set in Bakersfield, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,430, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $9,419. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,291 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bakersfield College
College Of The Siskiyous landed the #39 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Weed, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,394. Typical Healthcare student debt is $15,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,098. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Siskiyous report
Reedley College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Reedley College is a public school based in Reedley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Reedley College Healthcare 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. Get the full Reedley College report
Pasadena City College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pasadena, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Pasadena City College alumni report median earnings of $43,937 a decade after entry. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pasadena City College
College Of The Redwoods ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Eureka, CA, College Of The Redwoods is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,196 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,852. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,243. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Redwoods report
Los Angeles Valley College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Valley Glen, CA, Los Angeles Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,254 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,678 ten years out. Set against $10,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Los Angeles Valley College
Antelope Valley College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,548. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,729. Antelope Valley College alumni report median earnings of $36,526 a decade after entry. Set against $10,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Antelope Valley College
Rio Hondo College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Whittier, CA, Rio Hondo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,388, while out-of-state students pay about $9,884. Students borrow a median of $15,510 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,950 ten years after entry. Set against $15,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rio Hondo College report
Orange Coast College landed the #46 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Costa Mesa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,978 to complete their Healthcare program here. Orange Coast College alumni report median earnings of $47,348 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt. See the full Orange Coast College profile
Shasta College landed the #47 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Redding, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,197, with out-of-state students paying around $8,853. Shasta College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,275 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,269 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Shasta College
Moreno Valley College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,428, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Students borrow a median of $12,643 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,133 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moreno Valley College
City College Of San Francisco placed #49 among the best-value Healthcare schools in California. Set in San Francisco, CA, City College Of San Francisco is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,696, while out-of-state students pay about $14,656. Graduates carry a median of $10,332 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,805 ten years after entry. Set against $10,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full City College Of San Francisco profile
Imperial Valley College landed the #50 spot for value in California this year. Imperial Valley College is a public school based in Imperial, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Students borrow a median of $6,176 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Imperial Valley College
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare 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 · 125 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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