2026 Best Value Science Technology And Society Schools
Looking for the best-value Science Technology And Society programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 68 schools 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 analyzed 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 Science Technology And Society Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Stanford University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Stanford University Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values in the United States. Located 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 Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
A rank of #3 makes Farmingdale State College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Farmingdale State College Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $18,006 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,781 ten years after entry. Set against $18,006 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
Out of the 68 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, James Madison University landed the #3 spot. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $23,875. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full James Madison University profile
A rank of #5 makes California State Polytechnic University Pomona one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Science Technology And Society student debt is $17,226. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $13,516. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $143,372. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
San Francisco State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. San Francisco State University Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $17,024 in debt. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Arizona State University placed #8 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Arizona State University Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #9 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
George Mason University placed #11 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $23,529. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full George Mason University profile
Carnegie Mellon University placed #12 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $21,818. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Georgetown University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Students borrow a median of $13,250 to complete their Science Technology And Society program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Georgetown University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute placed #15 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Typical Science Technology And Society student debt is $24,975. Median earnings reach $102,051 ten years out. Set against $24,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #16 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,765. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Science Technology And Society students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Drexel University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete their Science Technology And Society program here. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Drexel University profile
University Of Southern California came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. See the full University Of Southern California profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $19,137. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of California Davis came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
Colby College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science Technology And Society schools. Located in Waterville, ME, Colby College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,600. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $22,016. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,490 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,016 median debt. The acceptance rate is 7%. Get the full Colby College report
Tufts University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bothell, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $15,636. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Vassar College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,030. Students borrow a median of $18,593 to complete their Science Technology And Society program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,366. Set against $18,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Vassar College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science Technology And Society Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their Science Technology And Society program here. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on Michigan State University
Vanderbilt University placed #27 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. The median Science Technology And Society program debt is $13,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
University Of Puget Sound came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. University Of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit school based in Tacoma, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $62,898. Students borrow a median of $25,287 to complete their Science Technology And Society program here. University Of Puget Sound alumni report median earnings of $69,594 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,287 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Puget Sound
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Lehigh University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science Technology And Society schools. Get the full Lehigh University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Heritage University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Heritage University
Pomona College
Pomona College placed #33 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. Get the full Pomona College report
St Johns University New York landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full St Johns University New York profile
Washburn University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science Technology And Society schools. Get the full Washburn University report
Central Wyoming College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science Technology And Society schools. Read more about Central Wyoming College
Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science Technology And Society schools. See the full Pennsylvania State University World Campus profile
Stevens Institute Of Technology landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Stevens Institute Of Technology
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #39 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Read more about Itawamba Community College
New Jersey Institute Of Technology landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus profile
Scripps College
Scripps College placed #44 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. More on Scripps College
Pitzer College
Pitzer College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Pitzer College
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Stony Brook University placed #47 among the best-value Science Technology And Society schools in the United States. More on Stony Brook University
University Of North Georgia came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Claremont Mckenna College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Claremont Mckenna College
Northwestern University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Northwestern University
Best Value Science Technology And Society Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science Technology And Society Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 68 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.