2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 164 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Plant Sciences school in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #3 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $21,875 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
You'll get strong value at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #4 this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $21,654 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,654 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
You'll get strong value at Cornell University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,990. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $15,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Iowa State University placed #7 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $24,336 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,336 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Kansas State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Wyoming came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,283. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Washington State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. 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 Plant Sciences program debt is $17,539. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #13 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $15,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Arkansas came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located 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, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Plant Sciences students take on a median of $22,156 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $17,983 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,983 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Florida came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of California Davis placed #18 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Plant Sciences students take on a median of $14,404 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,724 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $21,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #20 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Montana State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Montana State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,687 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $20,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #24 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #25 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,391. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $15,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $13,911. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $13,911 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Auburn University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Auburn University
Utah State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $16,191. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Utah State University
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. New Mexico State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $19,026 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Michigan State University
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,836. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
The University Of Tennessee ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,564 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
West Virginia University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on West Virginia University
University Of Kentucky placed #34 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,094. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University Of Arizona landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Idaho ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based 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 Plant Sciences program debt is $23,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Idaho report
University Of Connecticut placed #37 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $23,637. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Vermont landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $22,607. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Vermont admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
University Of Maine came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. University Of Maine Plant Sciences students take on a median of $25,984 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,653. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maine profile
Oregon State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Get the full Oregon State University report
Delaware Valley College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. More on Delaware Valley College
Iowa Central Community College placed #42 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. More on Iowa Central Community College
Butte College
Butte College placed #43 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Butte College
Sam Houston State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Southwestern Community College Creston came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Southwestern Community College Creston
Tarleton State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Tarleton State University
Holyoke Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. More on Holyoke Community College
Pennsylvania State University World Campus placed #48 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Chadron State College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. More on Chadron State College
Century College
Century College placed #50 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Century College report
Related Plant Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Plant Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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).
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