2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Science Technology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 161 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build 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 Food Science Technology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Food Science Technology programs schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Food Science Technology students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Out of the 161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, South Dakota State University landed the #3 spot. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $24,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about South Dakota State University
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #4 on this year's best-value Food Science Technology ranking in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $8,630. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,630 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #5 on this year's best-value Food Science Technology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #6 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $20,654 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $20,654 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $15,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
Iowa State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $26,254. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
Texas Tech University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Kansas State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Kansas State University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $24,844 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Kansas State University
Washington State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $14,780 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
Michigan State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $21,000. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Texas A And M University College Station placed #16 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Arkansas landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of California Davis landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #21 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $21,050. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,050 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Georgia ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Clemson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $25,000. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $20,534. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Science Technology Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Florida placed #26 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
The University Of Tennessee placed #28 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $20,632. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $20,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on The University Of Tennessee
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Utah State University profile
Oregon State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Oregon State University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $20,945 in debt. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Oregon State University profile
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,084 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $23,844. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Idaho report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $25,234. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,348. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $20,577. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Maryland College Park placed #35 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $24,730. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Maine ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Located in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Maine profile
Arizona Western College placed #37 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Read more about Arizona Western College
College Of The Sequoias offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. More on College Of The Sequoias
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Chemeketa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read the full report on Chemeketa Community College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
San Diego Mesa College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Get the full San Diego Mesa College report
Alabama A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. More on Alabama A And M University
Chattahoochee Technical College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Chattahoochee Technical College
University Of Puerto Rico Utuado came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Puerto Rico Utuado
Northern Arizona University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #49 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Mississippi State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Mississippi State University
Best Value Food Science Technology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Food Science Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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 Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 161 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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