2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Sustainability Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 278 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated schools to compile 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 Sustainability Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value Sustainability Science school in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. More on American Public University System
A rank of #2 makes Colorado Mountain College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Glenwood Springs, CO, Colorado Mountain College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,616, while out-of-state students pay about $12,840. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $11,000. Colorado Mountain College alumni report median earnings of $44,127 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Colorado Mountain College report
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Presidio Graduate School landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Anselmo, CA. More on Presidio Graduate School
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Webster University landed the #5 spot. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Webster University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #6 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Superior ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public school based in Superior, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,812 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,726 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Superior Sustainability Science students take on a median of $27,845 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,606 ten years out. Set against $27,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Superior has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Superior report
University Of California Berkeley placed #8 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $14,238. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Kansas State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #10 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Sustainability Science students take on a median of $24,477 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $16,481. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Sustainability Science students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Colorado Denver placed #13 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
Iowa State University placed #14 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Carnegie Mellon University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Florida International University placed #16 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $17,379 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida International University
Stanford University placed #17 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Stanford University
Stony Brook University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $20,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. 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 North Carolina At Charlotte placed #19 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of California Davis placed #19 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Utah placed #22 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
Washington State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $22,843. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Florida ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Sustainability Science students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sustainability Science Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Montclair State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,286. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Arizona State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located 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 Sustainability Science student debt is $25,120. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Graduates carry a median of $19,086 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Set against $19,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Western Washington University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $24,759. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #33 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Sustainability Science students take on a median of $18,636 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Southern Methodist University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Radford University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Radford, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,548, compared with $25,633 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,514. Median earnings reach $53,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Radford University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $23,138. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Iowa placed #39 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $21,425 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
George Mason University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Based in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on George Mason University
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Tufts University landed the #43 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. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $17,074. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,074 median debt. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tufts University
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $18,070 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Set against $18,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Bentley University placed #45 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in Waltham, MA, Bentley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,000. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,476. Median earnings reach $120,959 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bentley University has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on Bentley University
College Of Charleston landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charleston, SC, College Of Charleston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,978, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. Graduates carry a median of $24,733 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about College Of Charleston
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Savannah College Of Art And Design came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Savannah, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,346 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,954 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Savannah College Of Art And Design admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Savannah College Of Art And Design
Cuny City College placed #49 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,389 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. That is a strong return on a $13,389 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny City College profile
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,078. Students borrow a median of $24,975 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $102,051 a decade after entry. Set against $24,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,765. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Best Value Sustainability Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Sustainability Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sustainability Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 278 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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