2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Sustainability Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 278 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Sustainability Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Arizona State University Skysong, our #1 best-value Sustainability Science school in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Presidio Graduate School landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Anselmo, CA. See the full Presidio Graduate School profile
Webster University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Sustainability Science ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Webster University
A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $16,481. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Kansas State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,700 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,477 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,528 ten years after entry. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $25,286. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
Carnegie Mellon University placed #12 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Stanford University placed #13 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of California Davis placed #14 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $14,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $16,097. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Utah
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Sustainability Science students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Wisconsin Superior placed #19 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Superior, WI, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,812, with out-of-state students paying around $16,726. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $27,845. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,606. Set against $27,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Superior has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Superior profile
Arizona State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #21 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,120. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #23 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sustainability Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Iowa placed #26 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $21,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Set against $21,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $18,070. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,070 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Tufts University placed #27 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $17,074. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Tufts University
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full West Virginia University profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #31 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,033 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $20,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Savannah College Of Art And Design came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,630. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $26,346. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,954. Set against $26,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Savannah College Of Art And Design admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Savannah College Of Art And Design
Cuny City College placed #33 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Graduates carry a median of $13,389 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,039 ten years after entry. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Cuny City College
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Sustainability Science 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. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Northern Arizona University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Sustainability Science students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Depaul University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Depaul University
George Mason University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. George Mason University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full George Mason University profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $23,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
University Of Massachusetts Boston came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $26,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,865 ten years after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Boston
Regis University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Students borrow a median of $31,773 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Regis University alumni report median earnings of $72,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Regis University
Hofstra University placed #42 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Hofstra University profile
University Of Vermont landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. Graduates carry a median of $22,607 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Get the full University Of Vermont report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #43 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Sustainability Science students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of Southern California ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. More on University Of Southern California
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #46 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,813. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Arizona placed #46 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. University Of Arizona Sustainability Science students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Washington University In St Louis landed the #48 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Washington University In St Louis Sustainability Science students take on a median of $17,553 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
Utah State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Utah State University
University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #50 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairbanks, AK. Students from in state pay about $10,083 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,866 ten years after entry. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks profile
Best Value Sustainability Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Sustainability Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 278 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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