2026 Best Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Plant Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Plant Sciences school in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #2 on this year's best-value Plant Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Plant Sciences students take on a median of $9,200 in debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3 this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. 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
A rank of #4 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,875. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fresno earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
Iowa State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
West Texas A And M University placed #7 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $22,333. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Plant Sciences students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Cornell University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,990 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,990 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University
Texas Tech University placed #10 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Wyoming landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Kansas State University placed #12 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $21,905. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,905 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Delaware ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Plant Sciences students take on a median of $24,336 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,336 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,487 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $21,654 in student loans. 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. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Washington State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $17,539. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington State University
University Of Florida came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $12,281. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, 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. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,156 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Arkansas landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #21 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $15,750. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Clemson University placed #22 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,724 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $21,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
University Of California Davis came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #24 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,983 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $17,983 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Purdue University Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Montana State University placed #27 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Montana State University alumni report median earnings of $53,263 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montana State University profile
University Of Georgia came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $13,911 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $13,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $20,687 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $20,687 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,391 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $15,391 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Utah State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Utah State University profile
The University Of Tennessee landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,564 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $20,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Oregon State University placed #36 among the best-value Plant Sciences schools in the United States. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $25,096 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oregon State University report
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on West Virginia University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $20,836. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Plant Sciences students take on a median of $23,730 in debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Auburn University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Plant Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $19,026. 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. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of Kentucky landed the #42 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. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $24,094. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Arizona landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. 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 Arizona
University Of Idaho landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Plant Sciences students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,670 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. University Of Idaho has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full University Of Idaho report
Tuskegee University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tuskegee, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,386. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $29,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,641 ten years after entry. Set against $29,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tuskegee University profile
University Of Connecticut landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Plant Sciences student debt is $23,637. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Connecticut
University Of Vermont landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. University Of Vermont Plant Sciences students take on a median of $22,607 in debt. University Of Vermont alumni report median earnings of $62,472 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Vermont
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Plant Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
University Of Maine came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median Plant Sciences program debt is $25,984. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $25,984 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maine report
Bergen Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Plant Sciences schools. Read the full report on Bergen Community College
Related Plant Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 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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