2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 164 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Plant Sciences Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #2 spot. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,200 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $9,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. South Dakota State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $23,125 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #4 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California State University Fresno landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
West Texas A And M University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,654 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $21,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Cornell University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $15,990 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,990 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
Texas Tech University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Wyoming ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,283. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,905 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $21,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
University Of Delaware ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,336. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $18,487 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $18,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Washington State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $17,539 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Washington State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $22,156. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,156 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of Florida ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $12,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. 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 Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Arkansas came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. University Of Arkansas Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Arkansas
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $17,983 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $17,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Clemson University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,724. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,724 median debt. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
University Of California Davis came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Montana State University placed #26 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Montana State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #28 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #29 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,687. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $13,911 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $13,911 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #31 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Michigan State University placed #31 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #31 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Plant Sciences students take on a median of $15,391 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,391 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Oregon State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $25,096. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Oregon State University report
Utah State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Logan, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $16,191. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Utah State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,564. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $22,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Graduates carry a median of $19,026 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus
West Virginia University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Virginia University profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Auburn University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Auburn University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of Arizona placed #43 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Idaho ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Plant Sciences students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full University Of Idaho profile
Tuskegee University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tuskegee, AL, Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $29,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,641 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tuskegee University profile
University Of Connecticut came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. University Of Connecticut Plant Sciences students take on a median of $23,637 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Vermont placed #47 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Burlington, VT. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,607. Median earnings reach $62,472 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,607 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Vermont
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
University Of Maine landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $25,984. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Maine
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Best Value Plant Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Plant Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 164 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.