2026 Best Value Marine Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for marine science in the United States. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $58,388. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Georgia earned it the #2 place for marine science. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Early-career marine science graduates make about $53,546. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #3 place for marine science. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. Early-career marine science graduates make about $53,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

4

California State University Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA

A rank of #4 makes California State University Monterey Bay one of the best values for marine science. California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Seaside. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $27,268. That is a strong return on a $17,800 median debt. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants.

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Students looking for strong value in marine science will find it at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $27,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%.

6

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

University Of Maine ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value marine science schools. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the marine science program here. Marine Science graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $29,243 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.

7

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University earned the #7 position for value in marine science this year. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $41,118. That is a strong return on a $20,361 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.