2026 Best Value Food Science Technology 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 technology in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete the food science technology program here. Food Science Technology graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $63,111 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $65,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Wisconsin River Falls
River Falls, WI

A rank of #3 makes University Of Wisconsin River Falls one of the best values for food science technology. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of River Falls. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $24,245. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Wisconsin River Falls earn a median of $47,577 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #4 place for food science technology. 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. Typical student debt for food science technology graduates is $21,813. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $59,877. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

5

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $25,821 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science technology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $54,235. Set against $25,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value food science technology schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Food Science Technology graduates carry a median of $20,534 in student loans. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $59,889. That is a strong return on a $20,534 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

7

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for food science technology value this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete the food science technology program here. Early-career food science technology graduates make about $71,315. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

8

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University earned the #8 position for value in food science technology this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the food science technology program here. Food Science Technology graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $75,787 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.