According to the latest nationwide university rankings released by the personal finance website Money.com at the end of June this year for the 2025-2026 academic year, California residents have a unique advantage when it comes to obtaining top university degrees without shouldering hefty debts.
Out of the 19 public universities that received the highest five-star rating, 14 are located in California, showcasing the advantageous conditions enjoyed by residents of the state.
With over 60% of American students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in public universities, the affordability of attending in-state public institutions comes as no surprise given the current tuition fees.
However, this does not mean that tuition is cheap. Data from the American Council on Education shows that the average annual tuition and fees at four-year public universities last year was $11,610, with room and board costs bringing the total annual expenses at public universities up to $24,000.
Therefore, families are increasingly focusing on the potential returns on investment in university education. Money magazine’s latest release of the 2025-2026 Best Universities list can help students examine public schools in their respective states from this perspective.
The rankings by Money magazine this year are based on 25 data points, focusing on graduation rates, average tuition and borrowing levels, alumni average salaries, recent graduate employment rates, and other indicators.
Among the 19 public institutions that received five stars (the highest rating), there are well-known flagship schools like the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as schools like the University of Illinois at Chicago and several campuses of the California State University system that are recognized for their low tuition fees and ease of admission.
“These public universities offer excellent value for in-state students,” Money magazine stated. “Some of them are competitive universities with nationally recognized brands, while others are campuses that are conveniently located and focused on serving the local community. All these schools are ranked in the top 30% in our 2025-2026 academic year rankings.”
Below are the California public universities that received a five-star rating on Money magazine’s Best Public Schools list, ranked from the least expensive to the most expensive based on estimated entrance costs for the current academic year including average scholarships:
Acceptance rate: 91%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $4,700
Graduation rate: 69%
Acceptance rate: 92%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $4,800
Graduation rate: 64%
Acceptance rate: 87%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $6,700
Graduation rate: 80%
Acceptance rate: 98%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $7,100
Graduation rate: 69%
Acceptance rate: 97%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $7,800
Graduation rate: 69%
Acceptance rate: 47%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $10,300
Graduation rate: 83%
Acceptance rate: 74%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $12,600
Graduation rate: 86%
Acceptance rate: 25%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $14,100
Graduation rate: 90%
Acceptance rate: 80%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $14,700
Graduation rate: 75%
Acceptance rate: 26%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $15,500
Graduation rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 9%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $16,100
Graduation rate: 93%
Acceptance rate: 30%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $17,900
Graduation rate: 86%
Acceptance rate: 12%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $18,000
Graduation rate: 93%
Acceptance rate: 42%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $18,400
Graduation rate: 89%
Acceptance rate: 16%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $11,800
Graduation rate: 91%
Acceptance rate: 79%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $12,200
Graduation rate: 68%
Acceptance rate: 44%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $15,200
Graduation rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 16%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $16,900
Graduation rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 18%
Estimated tuition with average scholarship: $20,200
Graduation rate: 93%