2026 Best Food Science Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia tops our 2026 ranking of the best food science schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. University Of Missouri Columbia awarded about 31 food science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food science program make about $53,134 in their early career. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. See the full food science program report for University Of Missouri Columbia

2

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Students looking for a strong food science program will find one at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #2. This very large public university is located in the city of Lincoln. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 63 food science students who graduated with this degree at University Of Nebraska Lincoln in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $49,755. Typical student debt for the program is $22,386. See the full food science program report for University Of Nebraska Lincoln

3

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

A rank of #3 makes Kansas State University one of the top schools for food science. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 71 food science students who graduated with this degree at Kansas State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food science degree from Kansas State University earn around $76,437 in the first couple years of their career. Kansas State University graduates carry a median of $24,844 in student loans. Read more about the food science program at Kansas State University

4

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in food science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 27 food science students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food science degree from Iowa State University earn around $60,267 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete this degree. Read more about the food science program at Iowa State University

5

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #5 makes University Of Minnesota Twin Cities one of the top schools for food science. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 food science students who graduated with this degree at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $49,303. Students borrow a median of $21,050 to complete this degree. See the full food science program report for University Of Minnesota Twin Cities