2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 164 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, Course Advisor 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 Plant Sciences Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Northeast Community College this year in the United States. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Community College
Ridgewater College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Plant Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,556. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ridgewater College report
A rank of #3 makes Southwest Wisconsin Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,904 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $12,112 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. That is a strong return on a $12,112 median debt. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Out of the 164 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mitchell Technical Institute landed the #4 spot. Based in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,524. Students borrow a median of $12,730 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $50,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mitchell Technical Institute profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Plant Sciences ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Plant Sciences students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $13,319. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Chadron State College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Chadron State College is a public school based in Chadron, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Chadron State College Plant Sciences students take on a median of $15,989 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chadron State College report
South Dakota State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on South Dakota State University
University Of Minnesota Crookston landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,288 in tuition and fees. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $23,793. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,056. That is a strong return on a $23,793 median debt. University Of Minnesota Crookston admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Crookston report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,251. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $22,251 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Platteville, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $19,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $9,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $9,200 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. California State University Fresno Plant Sciences students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Goodwell, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,092, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,249. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,933. That is a strong return on a $24,249 median debt. Read more about Oklahoma Panhandle State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #17 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Iowa State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
West Texas A And M University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. West Texas A And M University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,818 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $16,666. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $16,666 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,125. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $15,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of Wyoming landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,283. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Southeast Missouri State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $15,789 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $15,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Sam Houston State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Kansas State University placed #27 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,905 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $21,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kansas State University
Cornell University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,990. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,654 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Washington State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $17,539 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $17,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
California State University Chico landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Chico
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #34 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. 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. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,156 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Arkansas ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas
Missouri State University Springfield placed #38 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $18,487 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,487 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of Florida came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Stephen F Austin State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,759 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
University Of Delaware placed #40 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,336 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Delaware
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wooster, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,584, with out-of-state students paying around $36,362. Students borrow a median of $11,717 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #43 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $15,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $17,983. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cobleskill, NY, Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,768, while out-of-state students pay about $18,678. Students borrow a median of $23,490 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $45,030 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,724 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $13,911 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Georgia landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $21,792. 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. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #49 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,687. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Best Value Plant Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Plant Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (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 164 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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