2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Science Technology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 161 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor 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 Food Science Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #2 spot. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $13,287. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Food Science Technology ranking in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $24,989. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Food Science Technology ranking in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Food Science Technology students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #5 on this year's best-value Food Science Technology ranking in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $24,245. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
California State University Fresno landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. California State University Fresno Food Science Technology students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. 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. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Kansas State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $24,844 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #9 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #11 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Students borrow a median of $23,730 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $20,654 in student loans. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,654 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,498 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $17,498 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #14 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $21,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $26,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Washington State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $14,780. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #17 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Texas Tech University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Food Science Technology students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Tech University
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Auburn University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $22,803. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Georgia landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Food Science Technology 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%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $20,534 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,534 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Food Science Technology students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $17,750. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Science Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public school based in Cobleskill, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,768, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,490 in student loans. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill alumni report median earnings of $45,030 a decade after entry. Set against $23,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
Michigan State University placed #27 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,050 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Appalachian State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,992 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,836. Set against $21,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Appalachian State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $15,750. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full Cornell University profile
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $20,632 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $22,843. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of California Davis came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis
Utah State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical Food Science Technology student debt is $16,191. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Utah State University
Mississippi State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $24,475 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. That is a strong return on a $24,475 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mississippi State University
University Of Idaho ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $23,844 in student loans. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of Idaho profile
University Of Delaware landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Food Science Technology program debt is $24,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on University Of Delaware
University Of Florida placed #40 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Food Science Technology students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Kentucky came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 $21,250 in student loans. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $21,250 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
Oregon State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $20,945 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,945 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oregon State University profile
Middle Tennessee State University placed #43 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete their Food Science Technology program here. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Middle Tennessee State University
Clemson University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Clemson University
Delaware Valley College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Science Technology schools. Delaware Valley College is a private not-for-profit school based in Doylestown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,278 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,838. Set against $26,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delaware Valley College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Delaware Valley College
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Food Science Technology students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,730 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $24,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Food Science Technology schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,026 in student loans. New Mexico State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade 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. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus
Chemeketa Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Chemeketa Community College
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about Drexel University
Related Food Science Technology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Food Science Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Food Science Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Science Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (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 161 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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