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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Marine Science Master’s Degree Schools

3 Colleges in the United States
$20,874 Avg Student Debt
$61,472 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Marine Science Master's Degree Badge [Marine Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/marine-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong marine science education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 41 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value marine science schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Marine Science Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the marine science degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Marine Science Schools

1

Florida Atlantic University earned the #1 spot for value among marine science schools in the United States. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the marine science program here. Marine Science graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $49,340 early in their careers. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco State University earned it the #2 place for marine science. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,024 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $50,955. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

Hawaii Pacific University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #3 spot this year. Hawaii Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Honolulu. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,392. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $25,385 in student loans. Early-career marine science graduates make about $49,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

Other Marine Science Degree Levels

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

All Degree Levels in Marine Science
Associate's Degrees in Marine Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Marine Science
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View All Marine Science Rankings >

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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 · 41 schools evaluated.

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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