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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Genetics Schools in the The Plains States Region

3 Colleges in the United States
$22,855 Avg Student Debt
$64,675 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Genetics Badge [Genetics](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/genetics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong genetics education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for genetics students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Genetics Schools in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in genetics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Genetics Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Missouri State University Springfield the best value for a degree in genetics in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Genetics graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Soon after graduation, genetics degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $46,503. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Iowa State University earned it the #2 place for genetics. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $21,631. Genetics graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $33,330 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,631 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

3
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $24,463. Early-career genetics graduates make about $57,375. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.

4

Washington University In St Louis came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $17,553. Soon after graduation, genetics 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. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

5

A rank of #5 makes Augustana College South Dakota one of the best values for genetics. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Genetics graduates carry a median of $26,217 in student loans. Genetics graduates of Augustana College South Dakota earn a median of $50,088 early in their careers. Set against $26,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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