2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 164 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Plant Sciences Master’s 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. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. 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 University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,200 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,200 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Plant Sciences ranking in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $23,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California State University Fresno landed the #5 spot. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Iowa State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $22,333. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,990 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
Texas Tech University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Wyoming ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Plant Sciences students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Kansas State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,905. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $21,905 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Delaware came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $24,336 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,336 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $18,487 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,487 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $21,654. 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. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Washington State University placed #16 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $17,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $17,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Washington State University
University Of Florida ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Plant Sciences students take on a median of $12,281 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
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. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, 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. 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. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Arkansas ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Plant Sciences students take on a median of $15,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,724 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. 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
University Of California Davis landed the #23 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, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $17,983. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $17,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences 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, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $19,844. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Montana State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Montana State University alumni report median earnings of $53,263 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Montana State University profile
University Of Georgia landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,792. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Michigan State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $13,911. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #31 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $20,687 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $20,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set 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 $15,391 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,391 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Utah State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $16,191. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
The University Of Tennessee came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,564. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,564 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
Oregon State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical Plant Sciences student 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%. Read more about Oregon State University
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. More on West Virginia University
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $23,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Auburn University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Auburn University
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. 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, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. New Mexico State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $19,026 in debt. 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 the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of Kentucky placed #42 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. University Of Kentucky Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of Arizona ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Idaho came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $23,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about University Of Idaho
Tuskegee University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tuskegee, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Tuskegee University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $29,356 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,641. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tuskegee University admits about 49% of applicants. More on Tuskegee University
University Of Connecticut ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Vermont ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. University Of Vermont Plant Sciences students take on a median of $22,607 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,472 ten years out. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Vermont has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $27,000. 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. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
University Of Maine landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Students borrow a median of $25,984 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $48,653 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maine report
Dodge City Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Dodge City Community College
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 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 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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