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Best Value Healthcare Doctor's Degree Schools in California

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2023 Best Value Healthcare Doctor's Degree Schools in California

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

31 Schools Ranked
$22,461 Avg Tuition & Fees*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for healthcare students. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Healthcare Degree Search has created its Best Value Healthcare Doctor's Degree Schools in California ranking. This report analyzed 31 schools in California to see which ones offered the best value doctor's degree programs for healthcare students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Healthcare Doctor's Degree Schools in California

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

26 Total Awards
$17,914 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found California State University - Fullerton to be the best value school for healthcare students who want to pursue a doctor’s degree in California. Cal State Fullerton is located in Fullerton, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 26 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

Cal State Fullerton graduate students pay an average of $17,914 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Cal State Fullerton. In fact, around 99% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on California State University - Fullerton

#2

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
9 Total Awards
$18,790 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend San Jose State University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. San Jose State is located in San Jose, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 9 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at San Jose State are $18,790 per year.

One thing to take note of is that San Jose State does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full San Jose State University Report

31 Total Awards
$18,330 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Sacramento. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. Sacramento, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctor’s degrees to 31 students in 2020-2021.

Sac State graduate students pay an average of $18,330 in tuition and fees each year.

Online graduate courses are available at Sac State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full California State University - Sacramento Report

43 Total Awards
$17,591 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent doctor’s degree programs at California State University - Fresno helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value healthcare schools in California. Fresno State is a public institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 43 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Fresno State graduate students pay an average of $17,591 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Fresno State does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 98% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full California State University - Fresno Report

33 Total Awards
$17,784 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means California State University - Long Beach is a great place for healthcare students working on their doctor’s degree who want the most bang for their educational buck. Located in Long Beach, California, the large public school handed out 33 doctor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

CSULB graduate students pay an average of $17,784 in tuition and fees each year.

CSULB does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#6

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California
9 Total Awards
$11,880 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Point Loma Nazarene University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for healthcare students working on their doctor’s degree. Located in San Diego, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 9 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

PLNU graduate students pay an average of $11,880 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since PLNU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 56% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

PLNU not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #3 on our Best Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list.

Full Point Loma Nazarene University Report

#7

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California
71 Total Awards
$18,242 Average Tuition & Fees

San Francisco State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. SFSU is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 71 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at SFSU are $18,242 a year.

SFSU does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 93% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#8

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
354 Total Awards
$28,138 Average Tuition & Fees

University of California - Los Angeles ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. Located in Los Angeles, California, the large public school handed out 354 doctor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at UCLA are $28,138 a year.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at UCLA. In fact, around 79% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

UCLA not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #4 on our Best Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list.

Read full report on University of California - Los Angeles

#9

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
61 Total Awards
$19,074 Average Tuition & Fees

San Diego State University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. This large public school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 61 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at SDSU are $19,074 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at SDSU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full San Diego State University Report

#10

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, California
27 Total Awards
$13,099 Average Tuition & Fees

Mount Saint Mary’s University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in Los Angeles, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at MSMU are $13,099 per year.

MSMU does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

MSMU also claimed a spot on our Best Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read More…

#11

California State University - Northridge

Northridge, California
29 Total Awards
$17,981 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, California State University - Northridge did quite well on this year’s best value schools for healthcare students working on their doctor’s degree. This large public school is located in Northridge, California, and it awarded 29 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at CSUN are $17,981 per year.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at CSUN. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on California State University - Northridge

#12

University of California - Davis

Davis, California
112 Total Awards
$28,710 Average Tuition & Fees

University of California - Davis landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value doctor’s degree healthcare programs. UC Davis is a large public school situated in Davis, California. It awarded 112 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Davis graduate students pay an average of $28,710 in tuition and fees each year.

Online graduate courses are available at UC Davis, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 52% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of California - Davis

#13

Brandman University

Irvine, California
113 Total Awards
$12,720 Average Tuition & Fees

Brandman University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students to get a doctor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Brandman is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 113 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Brandman graduate students pay an average of $12,720 in tuition and fees each year.

Since the graduate programs at Brandman are primarily online, it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Brandman University

#14

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
118 Total Awards
$28,458 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #14, University of California - Irvine did quite well on this year’s best value schools for healthcare students working on their doctor’s degree. UC Irvine is a large public school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 118 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at UC Irvine are $28,458 a year.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at UC Irvine. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of California - Irvine Report

#15

Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, California
1 Total Awards
$15,894 Average Tuition & Fees

Notre Dame de Namur University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. NDNU is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Belmont, California. It awarded 1 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at NDNU are $15,894 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at NDNU. In fact, around 25% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Notre Dame de Namur University

#16

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
70 Total Awards
$29,262 Average Tuition & Fees

University of California - Berkeley did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students to get a doctor’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Berkeley, California, the large public school handed out 70 doctor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

UC Berkeley graduate students pay an average of $29,262 in tuition and fees each year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UC Berkeley. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of California - Berkeley Report

#17

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
76 Total Awards
$16,696 Average Tuition & Fees

Azusa Pacific University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. Azusa Pacific is located in Azusa, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 76 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Azusa Pacific are $16,696 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, Azusa Pacific is an excellent choice, since graduate classes are offered online.

Read More…

#18

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
218 Total Awards
$28,666 Average Tuition & Fees

University of California - San Diego did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students to get a doctor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. UCSD is located in La Jolla, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 218 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at UCSD are $28,666 per year.

UCSD does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 65% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of California - San Diego Report

#19

Northcentral University

San Diego, California
17 Total Awards
$18,207 Average Tuition & Fees

Northcentral University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value doctor’s degree healthcare programs. Northcentral University is located in San Diego, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 17 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Northcentral University are $18,207 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, Northcentral University is an excellent choice, since graduate classes are offered online.

Full Northcentral University Report

#20

California Baptist University

Riverside, California
4 Total Awards
$14,320 Average Tuition & Fees

California Baptist University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in Riverside, California, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 4 doctor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Cal Baptist are $14,320 a year.

Cal Baptist does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#21

University of California - Merced

Merced, California
4 Total Awards
$28,309 Average Tuition & Fees

University of California - Merced did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students to get a doctor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Merced, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 4 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at UC Merced are $28,309 per year.

UC Merced does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 67% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

Alliant International University

San Diego, California
12 Total Awards
$19,874 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, Alliant International University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for healthcare students working on their doctor’s degree. Alliant is a private for-profit institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Alliant are $19,874 a year.

Alliant is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Alliant International University Report

#23

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
52 Total Awards
$27,250 Average Tuition & Fees

University of San Francisco ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. Located in San Francisco, California, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 52 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

USFCA graduate students pay an average of $27,250 in tuition and fees each year.

USFCA does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

USFCA also claimed a spot on our Best Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on University of San Francisco

#24

California Institute of Integral Studies

San Francisco, California
51 Total Awards
$22,188 Average Tuition & Fees

California Institute of Integral Studies ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. CIIS is located in San Francisco, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 51 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at CIIS are $22,188 a year.

Online graduate courses are available at CIIS, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 43% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on California Institute of Integral Studies

#25

Stanford University

Stanford, California
116 Total Awards
$55,011 Average Tuition & Fees

Stanford University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 116 doctor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Stanford are $55,011 a year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Stanford. During the 2019-2020 year, about 10% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Stanford also made our Best Healthcare Doctor’s Degree Schools in California list, coming in at #1.

Full Stanford University Report

Best Value Healthcare Doctor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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