2026 Best Value Genetics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Genetics master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 104 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Genetics 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 Genetics 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Genetics program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #2 on this year's best-value Genetics ranking in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $20,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Carolina At Greensboro one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Genetics students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Genetics program debt is $15,005. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #5 place in the United States. 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. The median Genetics program debt is $14,293. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Michigan Technological University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete their Genetics program here. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Kansas State University placed #7 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. The median Genetics program debt is $23,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Utah landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Genetics student debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Utah report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,968 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years 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 North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Genetics program debt is $21,631. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Typical Genetics student debt is $23,813. Virginia Commonwealth University alumni report median earnings of $58,128 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of South Carolina Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Genetics students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
Stanford University placed #18 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. The median Genetics program debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $26,217 to complete their Genetics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $26,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Yale University placed #20 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Yale University profile
University Of Rochester offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. The median Genetics program debt is $21,517. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,042. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Rochester
Johns Hopkins University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Genetics students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Long Island University C W Post Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,432. Long Island University C W Post Campus Genetics students take on a median of $25,211 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,211 median debt. Long Island University C W Post Campus admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Long Island University C W Post Campus report
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Genetics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Emory University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Typical Genetics student debt is $19,431. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,137. That is a strong return on a $19,431 median debt. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on Emory University
Stony Brook University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. Get the full Stony Brook University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Genetics students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $22,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University At Buffalo
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Genetics student debt is $21,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Connecticut placed #32 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their Genetics program here. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Connecticut profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Genetics program debt is $19,137. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. 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, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $21,216. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
University Of Miami placed #35 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,328. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Miami has an acceptance rate of 19%. Read the full report on University Of Miami
University Of Chicago placed #35 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. University Of Chicago Genetics students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. Median earnings reach $91,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Duke University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Duke University Genetics students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University
Case Western Reserve University placed #38 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Case Western Reserve University Genetics students take on a median of $25,106 in debt. Case Western Reserve University alumni report median earnings of $87,989 a decade after entry. Set against $25,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Case Western Reserve University
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. The median Genetics program debt is $26,689. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wayne State University
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit school based in New Orleans, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,678. Graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,268 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,077 median debt. Tulane University Of Louisiana has an acceptance rate of 14%. Read the full report on Tulane University Of Louisiana
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center profile
Southern California University Of Health Sciences landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Southern California University Of Health Sciences
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. See the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston profile
Ohio Wesleyan University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. See the full Ohio Wesleyan University profile
Grand Valley State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
University Of Iowa ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Read more about University Of Iowa
Washington State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Washington State University
New York University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. More on New York University
University Of Georgia landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Hofstra University placed #49 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Read more about Hofstra University
Indiana State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Indiana State University profile
Related Genetics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Genetics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Genetics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 104 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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