2026 Best Value Food Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Our analysis ranked Purdue University Main Campus the best value for a degree in food science in the Great Lakes Region. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $63,111. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

2

University Of Wisconsin River Falls
River Falls, WI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin River Falls one of the best values for food science. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $24,245 in student loans. Food Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin River Falls earn a median of $47,577 early in their careers. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in food science will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $65,432. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values for food science. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Food Science graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $59,877. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

Students looking for strong value in food science will find it at University Of Wisconsin Stout, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Students borrow a median of $25,821 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $54,235 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,821 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in food science this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $20,534. Early-career food science graduates make about $59,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

7

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #7 among the best values for food science. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Food Science graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Food Science graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

8

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University earned the #8 position for value in food science this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $75,787. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.