2026 Best Value Food Science Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Leading the list is University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, our #1 best value for food science in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,050 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $49,303 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value food science schools. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $49,755. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kansas State University earned it the #3 place for food science. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Food Science graduates carry a median of $24,844 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $76,437. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

4

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value food science schools. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $26,254 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $60,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

5

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $21,818. Food Science graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.