2026 Best Value Botany Plant Biology Schools
Looking for the best-value Botany Plant Biology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 76 schools 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Botany Plant Biology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking 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 Botany Plant Biology program debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values in the United States. Based 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 Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,813. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #3 on this year's best-value Botany Plant Biology ranking in the United States. Located 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. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Botany Plant Biology 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. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Arizona State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #8 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $24,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Cornell University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $15,005. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. More on Cornell University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #10 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Washington State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $21,903. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $23,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $19,844. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of California Davis landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $14,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of California Davis
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Botany Plant Biology 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. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #21 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $23,393. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $22,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Iowa State University placed #23 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $18,950 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $18,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile
Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Mississippi State University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Mississippi State University
University Of Georgia ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,792. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $19,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
University Of Florida ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Botany Plant Biology Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Michigan State University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $25,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #30 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $22,053. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #31 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $23,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Northwestern University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Northwestern University
University Of California Riverside landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $19,187. Median earnings reach $67,699 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Oregon State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $24,043. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Oregon State University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $25,120. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Botany Plant Biology 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 admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Kentucky landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #42 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $21,348. 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. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Arizona placed #43 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Washington University In St Louis landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $17,553. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,182. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Frostburg State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Frostburg State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
The University Of Montana came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on The University Of Montana
Connecticut College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Connecticut College profile
Snow College
Snow College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. More on Snow College
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Ohio University Southern Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Ohio University Southern Campus
Southern Oregon University placed #49 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Read more about Southern Oregon University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #50 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Best Value Botany Plant Biology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 76 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).