2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Sustainability Science master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 278 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Sustainability Science school in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Presidio Graduate School earned it the #2 place in the United States. Presidio Graduate School is a private not-for-profit school based in San Anselmo, CA. Read more about Presidio Graduate School
University Of California Berkeley came in at #3 on this year's best-value Sustainability Science ranking in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Sustainability Science students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Sustainability Science ranking in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $16,481. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Kansas State University landed the #5 spot. 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $24,477. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Montclair State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Colorado Denver
Carnegie Mellon University placed #10 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,529. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Stanford University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $10,492. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of Wisconsin Superior came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Superior, WI, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,726. Students borrow a median of $27,845 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,606. That is a strong return on a $27,845 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Superior
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $25,120. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Southern Methodist University placed #16 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $20,712. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Sustainability Science students take on a median of $23,659 in debt. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #19 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $18,070. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,070 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $24,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Savannah College Of Art And Design landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Savannah, GA, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,630. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $26,346. 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 has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Savannah College Of Art And Design
Tufts University placed #22 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Tufts University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. More on Tufts University
Cuny City College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $13,389. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,039 ten years after entry. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny City College
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. 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
Northern Arizona University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Iowa ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $21,425 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $21,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $20,836. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Depaul University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Depaul University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University
Regis University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sustainability Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,140. Graduates carry a median of $31,773 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Regis University profile
Hofstra University placed #30 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,660. Hofstra University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $24,848 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,039 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Hofstra University
University Of Vermont landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $22,607. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,472. That is a strong return on a $22,607 median debt. University Of Vermont admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full University Of Vermont report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Sustainability Science students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $21,861. 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. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arizona
Washington University In St Louis landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Washington University In St Louis Sustainability Science students take on a median of $17,553 in debt. Washington University In St Louis alumni report median earnings of $86,182 a decade after entry. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Washington University In St Louis
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. The median Sustainability Science program debt is $16,191. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Utah State University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Sustainability Science 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. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical Sustainability Science student debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Michigan State University placed #39 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Based 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 Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
Hawaii Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Honolulu, HI, Hawaii Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,392. Hawaii Pacific University Sustainability Science students take on a median of $25,385 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,593. That is a strong return on a $25,385 median debt. Hawaii Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Hawaii Pacific University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
The New School offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in New York, NY, The New School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,730. Students borrow a median of $24,460 to complete their Sustainability Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,901 ten years after entry. Set against $24,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about The New School
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Franklin Pierce University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Franklin Pierce University report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
University Of Chicago came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Chicago
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on University Of New Haven
New Jersey Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Saint Josephs College Of Maine landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Scottsdale Community College placed #50 among the best-value Sustainability Science schools in the United States. Get the full Scottsdale Community College report
Related Sustainability Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Sustainability Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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 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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