2026 Best Value Botany Plant Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Botany Plant Biology doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 76 colleges 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 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 Botany Plant Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Botany Plant Biology doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 76 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,813. 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. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Out of the 76 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $22,386. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #6 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Cornell University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cornell University report
Washington State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Washington State University
Iowa State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,950 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #11 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. 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. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #12 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Arkansas came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Botany Plant Biology program debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. 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
University Of California Davis placed #17 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $14,404 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Georgia ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Florida ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $17,669. 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. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Mississippi State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Mississippi State University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #22 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $22,053. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
University Of California Riverside ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $19,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Riverside
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Botany Plant Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $25,120. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #27 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Michigan State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Typical Botany Plant Biology student debt is $25,213. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Oregon State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Set against $24,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Oregon State University profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $23,730 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. University Of Hawaii At Manoa alumni report median earnings of $57,624 a decade after entry. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Arizona landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Arizona
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Botany Plant Biology program here. Washington University In St Louis alumni report median earnings of $86,182 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Northwestern University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Northwestern University Botany Plant Biology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern University
Western New Mexico University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Western New Mexico University
Snow College
Snow College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Snow College
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Weber State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. See the full Weber State University profile
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus placed #42 among the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools in the United States. Read more about Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
South Dakota State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Cerritos College
Cerritos College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. More on Cerritos College
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full Arizona State University report
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Hampshire College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. Get the full Hampshire College report
University Of Maine ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Botany Plant Biology schools. See the full University Of Maine profile
Union University
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Union University
University Of Vermont came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
Related Botany Plant Biology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Botany Plant Biology 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 76 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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