2026 Best Value Ecology Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

Our analysis ranked University Of Northern Iowa the best value for a degree in ecology in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical student debt for ecology graduates is $22,635. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $46,054. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value ecology schools. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical student debt for ecology graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $49,410. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

3

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Ecology graduates carry a median of $24,347 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $29,842. That is a strong return on a $24,347 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #4 spot this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Ecology graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $68,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.