2026 Best Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 1033 schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Cabrini College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,889. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,038. That is a strong return on a $26,889 median debt. Get the full Cabrini College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia College Chicago earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,088. Graduates carry a median of $26,557 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
Out of the 1033 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the #4 spot. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,447. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
You'll get strong value at Rasmussen College Minnesota, which ranked #5 this year. Based in St. Cloud, MN, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,199. Graduates carry a median of $28,723 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rasmussen College Minnesota report
University Of The Cumberlands placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
Morningside College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Morningside College
Concordia University Irvine ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Concordia University Irvine
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The Masters College And Seminary placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,089. The Masters College And Seminary alumni report median earnings of $57,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,089 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on The Masters College And Seminary
Mount Marty College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit school based in Yankton, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about Mount Marty College
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Ashland University
Western Governors University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Governors University
Charleston Southern University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,520. Charleston Southern University Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,569 in debt. Charleston Southern University alumni report median earnings of $45,898 a decade after entry. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Charleston Southern University
Wisconsin Lutheran College placed #16 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,916. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wisconsin Lutheran College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. The median Science & Tech program 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
Touro University Worldwide ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,640. Graduates carry a median of $32,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,803. Set against $32,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Touro University Worldwide
Stephens College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,300. Students borrow a median of $33,326 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $43,071 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,326 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Stephens College
Nebraska Wesleyan University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,667 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,405 ten years out. Set against $27,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nebraska Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Nebraska Wesleyan University
American Public University System ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez placed #22 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Science & Tech students take on a median of $8,630 in debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
University Of Sioux Falls landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about University Of Sioux Falls
Hood College placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hood College
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,451. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Doane College Crete ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Doane College Crete Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Doane College Crete
Gordon College placed #27 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,119 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gordon College
Stevenson University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owings Mills, MD. Students from in state pay about $40,560 in tuition and fees. Stevenson University Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,042 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stevenson University report
Concordia University Seward placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,726. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Concordia University Seward
Southwest Baptist University placed #30 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,436. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Mcdaniel College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mcdaniel College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #32 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Fitchburg State University placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,840. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Newman University placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,500. Newman University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,041. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full Newman University report
Buena Vista University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Graduates carry a median of $29,317 in student loans. Buena Vista University alumni report median earnings of $49,156 a decade after entry. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Buena Vista University profile
Drake University placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Drake University report
Wayne State College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,974. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne State College report
Goucher College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Goucher College profile
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,176 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,787. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
University Of Scranton came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Scranton
Spring Arbor University placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Viterbo University profile
William Woods University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on William Woods University
Westfield State University placed #45 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,910. Median earnings reach $57,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Westfield State University report
Ferris State University placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Ferris State University
Colorado State University Global Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $31,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. That is a strong return on a $14,155 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Milligan College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Milligan, TN, Milligan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,450. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,150. Milligan College alumni report median earnings of $46,641 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,150 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Milligan College profile
Wilson College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,100. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $34,814. Median earnings reach $43,326 ten years out. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wilson College admits about 92% of applicants. More on Wilson College
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 1033 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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