2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 164 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Plant Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Plant Sciences students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
South Dakota State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Plant Sciences ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $21,654. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $21,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
A rank of #5 makes Cornell University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,990 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $15,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cornell University
Texas Tech University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. 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. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
Iowa State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Delaware landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,336 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Kansas State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,905. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,905 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Kansas State University
University Of Wyoming came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wyoming
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Washington State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $17,539 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $17,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $15,750. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. University Of Arkansas Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $22,156. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,156 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set 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. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $17,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Florida ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Plant Sciences students take on a median of $12,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of California Davis ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Clemson University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $21,724 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $21,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Clemson University
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #20 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Colorado State University Fort Collins Plant Sciences students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Montana State University placed #21 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Montana State University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Plant Sciences 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. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,687 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $20,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Georgia landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,391 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $15,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Auburn University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on Auburn University
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Utah State University
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $19,026. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
Michigan State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
The University Of Tennessee came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,564 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $22,564 median debt. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
West Virginia University placed #33 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full West Virginia University report
University Of Kentucky landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Arizona ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Students borrow a median of $23,844 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Idaho
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $23,637. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Vermont placed #38 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Vermont is a public school based in Burlington, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $22,607. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Vermont profile
University Of Maine placed #39 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $25,984. University Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $48,653 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maine profile
Miles Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Miles Community College
North Dakota State College Of Science placed #41 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on North Dakota State College Of Science
Iowa Central Community College placed #42 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Iowa Central Community College
Sam Houston State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Beal College
Beal College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Beal College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Treasure Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. More on Treasure Valley Community College
Allan Hancock College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Allan Hancock College report
Riverland Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. More on Riverland Community College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #49 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Related Plant Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Plant Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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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