2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Sustainability Science master’s degree 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.
To help you make your decision, 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 Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Arizona State University Skysong tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Sustainability Science master's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Sustainability Science students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Presidio Graduate School earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in San Anselmo, CA, Presidio Graduate School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Presidio Graduate School
University Of California Berkeley came in at #3 on this year's best-value Sustainability Science ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Sustainability Science students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
You'll get strong value at University Of Washington Seattle Campus, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Sustainability Science student 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 has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
You'll get strong value at Kansas State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $24,477. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Montclair State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Montclair State University report
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Colorado Denver placed #9 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denver, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Utah
University Of California Los Angeles placed #13 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Sustainability Science students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Wisconsin Superior placed #14 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Superior, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,812, compared with $16,726 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Superior Sustainability Science students take on a median of $27,845 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,606 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,845 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Superior profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Southern Methodist University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,659. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $18,070. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Savannah College Of Art And Design landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,346 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,954. That is a strong return on a $26,346 median debt. Savannah College Of Art And Design has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Savannah College Of Art And Design profile
Tufts University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. Get the full Tufts University report
Cuny City College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,389 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on Cuny City College
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Sustainability Science students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Northern Arizona University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Iowa came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $21,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $21,425 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Depaul University placed #28 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,310. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
Regis University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Regis University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $31,773 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,105. That is a strong return on a $31,773 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Regis University
Hofstra University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,660. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $24,848. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,039 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,848 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Hofstra University report
University Of Vermont placed #31 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of Vermont is a public school based in Burlington, VT. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $22,607. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,472 ten years after entry. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Vermont has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about University Of Vermont
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Arizona placed #33 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Utah State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $16,191 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Utah State University
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Sustainability Science students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Sustainability Science students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #37 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Michigan State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
Hawaii Pacific University placed #40 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Honolulu, HI, Hawaii Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,392. Hawaii Pacific University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,385 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,593 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hawaii Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Hawaii Pacific University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #41 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
The New School placed #42 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, The New School is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,730 in tuition and fees. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $24,460. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,901. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about The New School
Christian Brothers University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Christian Brothers University report
California State University Long Beach placed #44 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Indiana University Kokomo landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Indiana University Kokomo
University Of Georgia placed #46 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Georgia
Pensacola State College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Pensacola State College report
Southeastern Louisiana University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read more about Southeastern Louisiana University
Davis And Elkins College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. More on Davis And Elkins College
Phoenix College
Phoenix College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Phoenix College
Related Sustainability Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Sustainability Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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 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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