2026 Best Value Family & Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Leading the list is Southeast Missouri State University, our #1 best value for family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general in the The Plains States Region. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general program here. Soon after graduation, family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $31,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete the family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general program here. Early-career family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general graduates make about $46,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kansas State University earned it the #3 place for family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,546 to complete the family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general program here. Early-career family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general graduates make about $61,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

A rank of #4 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Family & Consumer Sciences/human Sciences, General graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Family & Consumer Sciences/human Sciences, General graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $51,109 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato is a great value for students pursuing a degree in family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general, landing the #5 spot this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete the family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general program here. Family & Consumer Sciences/human Sciences, General graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $33,093 early in their careers. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University earned the #6 position for value in family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general this year. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical student debt for family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general degree recipients from Pittsburg State University generally make around $28,782. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.

7

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general graduates is $21,818. Soon after graduation, family & consumer sciences/human sciences, general degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $53,134. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.