2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Science Technology master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 161 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Food Science Technology master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Food Science Technology student 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $24,989. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
Out of the 161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #4 spot. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. Students borrow a median of $8,630 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $8,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
A rank of #5 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. 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 ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $20,654. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Cornell University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $15,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #9 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Food Science Technology students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Iowa State University placed #10 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Texas Tech University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Kansas State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $24,844 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Kansas State University
Washington State University placed #13 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $14,780. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $14,780 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Washington State University profile
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Michigan State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Food Science Technology students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $22,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Arkansas came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $17,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of California Davis landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $14,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,050 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,050 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Georgia ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clemson University report
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,534 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $20,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Science Technology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Florida ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Food Science Technology students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Food Science Technology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Utah State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $16,191 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Utah State University
The University Of Tennessee placed #29 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Food Science Technology students take on a median of $20,632 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $20,632 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $20,945. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oregon State University
University Of Idaho placed #31 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. University Of Idaho Food Science Technology students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full University Of Idaho report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Food Science Technology students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Food Science Technology students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Food Science Technology students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. University Of Hawaii At Manoa alumni report median earnings of $57,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $24,730 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maine
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Umpqua Community College placed #38 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. See the full Umpqua Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #39 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Front Range Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Front Range Community College
Lakeland College
Lakeland College placed #42 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Lakeland College
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Missouri State University West Plains landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Missouri State University West Plains profile
North Shore Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on North Shore Community College
Pennsylvania College Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Read more about Pennsylvania College Of Technology
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Northern Arizona University placed #50 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. More on Northern Arizona University
Related Food Science Technology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Food Science Technology Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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