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

1

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Leading the list is Northwest Missouri State University, our #1 best value for horticultural science in the The Plains States Region. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $23,818. Horticultural Science graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $42,939 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants.

2

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools. Set in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $25,153. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $49,048. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

3

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Twin Cities one of the best values for horticultural science. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $15,391 in student loans. Horticultural Science graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $35,216 early in their careers. Set against $15,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural 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. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $21,875. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $47,716. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

5

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticultural science, landing the #5 spot this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $18,487. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $36,173. That is a strong return on a $18,487 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University came in at #6 for value in horticultural science this year. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,905 to complete the horticultural science program here. Horticultural Science graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of $50,115 early in their careers. Set against $21,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #7 spot for horticultural science value this year. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the horticultural science program here. Horticultural Science graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $61,550 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.