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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Schools

32 Colleges in the United States
$21,386 Avg Student Debt
$63,678 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Badge [Food Science Technology](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-science-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 161 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for food science technology students.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Food Science Technology School for You

The food science technology program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. That is why we developed our Best Value Food Science Technology Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

Read more about our methodology

Customize Your Rankings

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Food Science Technology Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Food Science Technology
Bachelor's Degrees in Food Science Technology
Master's Degrees in Food Science Technology
Doctorate Degrees in Food Science Technology

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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2026 Best Value Food Science Technology Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the food science technology degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Food Science Technology Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

For return on investment in food science technology, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

Students looking for strong value in food science technology will find it at California State University Fresno, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the food science technology program here. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $45,796. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

3

Students looking for strong value in food science technology will find it at Chattahoochee Technical College, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Marietta, Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete the food science technology program here. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Chattahoochee Technical College generally make around $44,673. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4
Yavapai College crest
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ

Yavapai College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Prescott. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,948, compared with $9,486 for out-of-state students. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $14,087 in student loans. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $52,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Surry Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the rural area of Dobson, Surry Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,668 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,812 for out-of-state students. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $9,537 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Surry Community College generally make around $47,188. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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6

Walla Walla Community College earned the #6 position for value in food science technology this year. Located in the city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,279, compared with $6,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the food science technology program here. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $46,131. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #7 position for value in food science technology this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $13,287. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

8

California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $17,498 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $51,883. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

9

Arizona Western College earned the #9 position for value in food science technology this year. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,060, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.

10
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #10 for value in food science technology this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $19,844. Food Science Technology graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $63,111 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

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11

University Of Georgia came in at #11 for value in food science technology this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $82,065 early in their careers. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

12

Napa Valley College came in at #12 for value in food science technology this year. Located in the city of Napa, Napa Valley College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,517 ten years after entry.

13

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #13 spot for food science technology value this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the food science technology program here. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $65,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

14

University Of California Davis earned the #14 position for value in food science technology this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $52,084 early in their careers. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

15

Brigham Young University Provo ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $54,507. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.

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16

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,654 to complete the food science technology program here. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $52,240. Set against $20,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #17 among the best values for food science technology. Set in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $24,245. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin River Falls generally make around $47,577. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

18

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $24,730 to complete the food science technology program here. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $24,341. That is a strong return on a $24,730 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants.

19

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 for value in food science technology this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the food science technology program here. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $59,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

20
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University came in at #20 for value in food science technology this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $24,475 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $47,383. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.

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21

Alabama A And M University landed the #21 spot for food science technology value this year. Set in the city of Normal, Alabama A And M University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $18,634. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $31,896 in student loans. Food Science Technology graduates of Alabama A And M University earn a median of $45,909 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

22

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $50,993. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

23

North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned the #23 position for value in food science technology this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the food science technology program here. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $50,631. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

24

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University earned the #24 position for value in food science technology this year. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, compared with $17,725 for out-of-state students. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $26,824 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University generally make around $38,719. That is a strong return on a $26,824 median debt. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #25 spot for food science technology value this year. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $25,821 in student loans. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $54,235 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Food Science Technology Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in food science technology:

26
27
28
29
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
41
Clemson University crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
42
43
44
45
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
46
47
48
49
50

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View All Rankings >

Food Science Technology is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

Major Annual Graduates
Food Science 1,454
Viticulture and Enology 163
Food Science and Technology, Other 102
Zymology/Fermentation Science 63
Brewing Science 60
Food Technology and Processing 30

View All Food Science Technology Concentrations >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 Major Best Value · 161 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 32 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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