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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Marine Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

7 Colleges in the United States
$19,757 Avg Student Debt
$68,913 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Marine Sciences Bachelor's Degree Badge [Marine Sciences](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/marine-science/marine-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 41 schools to find the best return on investment for marine sciences students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Marine Sciences Schools in the United States

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

Best Value Marine Sciences Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value marine sciences schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Marine Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Soon after graduation, marine sciences degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $58,388. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Georgia one of the best values for marine sciences. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Marine Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Marine Sciences graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $53,546 early in their careers. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.

3

University Of California Davis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the marine sciences program here. Marine Sciences graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $53,749 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

A rank of #4 makes California State University Monterey Bay one of the best values for marine sciences. Located in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Typical student debt for marine sciences graduates is $17,800. Marine Sciences graduates of California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of $27,268 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,800 median debt. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #5 place for marine sciences. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete the marine sciences program here. Marine Sciences graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $27,337 early in their careers. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%.

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6

University Of Maine landed the #6 spot for marine sciences value this year. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the marine sciences program here. Marine Sciences graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $29,243 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.

7

Western Washington University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value marine sciences schools. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the marine sciences program here. Marine Sciences graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $41,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,361 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

Other Marine Sciences Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Marine Sciences rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Marine Sciences
Associate's Degrees in Marine Sciences
Master's Degrees in Marine Sciences
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View All Marine Sciences Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 41 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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