2026 Best Value Botany Plant Biology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Botany Plant Biology master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 76 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Botany Plant Biology master's degree schools 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #2 on this year's best-value Botany Plant Biology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,813. 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
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #3 this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Arizona State University
A rank of #5 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $24,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $19,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Cornell University placed #7 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $15,005. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. 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 more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. The median Botany Plant Biology program 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. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Arkansas landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $24,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Michigan State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #14 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Kansas State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $23,546. 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 admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,903. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. 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. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Mississippi State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Students borrow a median of $23,969 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Georgia came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Botany Plant Biology 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
University Of Florida landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Students borrow a median of $19,026 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
Iowa State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,950 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Set 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. Colorado State University Fort Collins Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Northwestern University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Botany Plant Biology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $23,730. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Miami University Oxford landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Oregon State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $24,043. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Set against $24,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Oregon State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #31 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. 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. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $19,187 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,699 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Riverside
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
University Of Kentucky came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, 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. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Ohio University Southern Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Get the full Ohio University Southern Campus report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Ohio Wesleyan University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Ohio Wesleyan University
University Of Vermont came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Vermont profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Ohio University Zanesville Campus ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Read the full report on Ohio University Zanesville Campus
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Read more about Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Idaho landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Idaho
Union University
Union University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Read more about Union University
Frostburg State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Get the full Frostburg State University report
Cerritos College
Cerritos College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Cerritos College profile
Hampshire College placed #48 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Get the full Hampshire College report
University Of California Irvine came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #50 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Related Botany Plant Biology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).