2026 Best Value Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 colleges 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 reviewed 1341 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 Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Columbia Southern University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Students borrow a median of $25,447 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
Out of the 1341 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #2 spot. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Western Governors University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Western Governors University Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Governors University profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Bellevue University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Read more about Bellevue University
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $31,361. Median earnings reach $76,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #8 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Thomas Edison State College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,838, while out-of-state students pay about $8,856. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,149. Thomas Edison State College alumni report median earnings of $69,331 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College
Chadron State College placed #10 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Chadron State College Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,912 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chadron State College
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,630 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,630 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Wayne State College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. See the full Wayne State College profile
Minot State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Minot State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. More on Minot State University
Brigham Young University Hawaii ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Laie, HI, Brigham Young University Hawaii is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630. Median earnings reach $52,064 ten years out. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Hawaii
Grantham University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,520. The median Science & Tech program debt is $30,600. Grantham University alumni report median earnings of $63,496 a decade after entry. Set against $30,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Grantham University profile
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,176. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,787 in debt. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,165 a decade after entry. Set against $24,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Get the full Park University report
Bemidji State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Science & Tech students take on a median of $35,323 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
University Of Phoenix California ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. The median Science & Tech program debt is $37,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Phoenix California
Southwest Minnesota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southwest Minnesota State University report
University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bayamon, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,284. The median Science & Tech program debt is $5,450. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 35%. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon profile
Metropolitan State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Metropolitan State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $30,822 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Metropolitan State University
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Juan, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $5,673 in student loans. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras alumni report median earnings of $35,723 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
Excelsior College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. Excelsior College Science & Tech students take on a median of $19,311 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. That is a strong return on a $19,311 median debt. Get the full Excelsior College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Students borrow a median of $27,522 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Granite State College alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. Set against $27,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Granite State College profile
Linfield College Adult Degree Program offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. The median Science & Tech program debt is $28,250. More on Linfield College Adult Degree Program
Valley City State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,074. Median earnings reach $52,725 ten years out. Set against $25,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Valley City State University profile
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Peru State College is a public school based in Peru, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,433. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $47,071 ten years out. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Peru State College report
Bellevue College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $18,839. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. Set against $18,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue College report
Ottawa University Online placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Ottawa University Online is a private not-for-profit school based in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Students borrow a median of $30,758 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ottawa University Online alumni report median earnings of $55,552 a decade after entry. Set against $30,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ottawa University Online
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,089 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Charter Oak State College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Britain, CT, Charter Oak State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,506. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,584. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Charter Oak State College
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,276 median debt. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Goodwell, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,092, with out-of-state students paying around $8,675. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,249. Median earnings reach $44,933 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,249 median debt. See the full Oklahoma Panhandle State University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Western Carolina University placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,174 in student loans. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Western Carolina University
University Of Phoenix Nevada placed #38 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Students borrow a median of $38,804 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Set against $38,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Phoenix Nevada
Mississippi University For Women ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Mississippi University For Women Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,509 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Mississippi University For Women report
Dickinson State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,266 median debt. Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 37%. Read the full report on Dickinson State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $19,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus profile
Columbia Basin College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Columbia Basin College is a public school based in Pasco, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,555, with out-of-state students paying around $8,668. Students borrow a median of $17,170 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Columbia Basin College alumni report median earnings of $46,680 a decade after entry. Set against $17,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Columbia Basin College profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. The median Science & Tech program debt is $32,807. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. Set against $32,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Northern State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aberdeen, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Northern State University alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern State University
Wilmington University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Mayville State University placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Graduates carry a median of $27,464 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. More on Walden University
Ashford University placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $39,515. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,515 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,869. Median earnings reach $26,721 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce has an acceptance rate of 34%. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Related Science & Tech Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Science & Tech Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 1341 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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