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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Master’s Degree Schools

36 Colleges in the United States
$22,412 Avg Student Debt
$72,643 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Master's Degree Badge [Sustainability Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/sustainability-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 278 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sustainability science students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Schools in the United States

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

Best Value Sustainability Science Schools

1
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University tops our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

2
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

A rank of #2 makes Cuny City College one of the best values for sustainability science. Cuny City College is a large public school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $13,389. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $70,051. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for sustainability science. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $75,703. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sustainability science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Green Bay, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $24,477 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Green Bay earn a median of $42,853 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in sustainability science will find it at University Of South Florida Main Campus, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $43,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.

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6

University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #6 for value in sustainability science this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $20,115. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $54,806. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #7 among the best values for sustainability science. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $19,137. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $60,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

8
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the sustainability science program here. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $30,229. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Located in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $50,590 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants.

10

Northern Arizona University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the sustainability science program here. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $47,056. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

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11

Montclair State University came in at #11 for value in sustainability science this year. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of $41,445 early in their careers. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

12
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

13

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $55,247. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

14

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #14 spot for sustainability science value this year. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $56,395 early in their careers. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of Arizona placed #15 among the best values for sustainability science. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $21,861. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $50,834. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

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16

Johns Hopkins University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $84,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.

17

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #17 among the best values for sustainability science. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $23,138. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $58,084 early in their careers. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

18

Iowa State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $53,900. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

19

University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #19 among the best values for sustainability science. Set in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical student debt for sustainability science graduates is $25,821. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $54,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

20

Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #20 position for value in sustainability science this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Sustainability Science graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

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21

Kansas State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $23,546 to complete the sustainability science program here. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $51,543. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.

22

Texas State University San Marcos placed #22 among the best values for sustainability science. Located in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Sustainability Science graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $47,456 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

23
Unity College crest
Unity College
New Gloucester, ME

Unity College came in at #23 for value in sustainability science this year. Set in the rural area of New Gloucester, Unity College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,640. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $27,083 in student loans. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $36,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #24 spot for sustainability science value this year. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete the sustainability science program here. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $71,315. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

25

University Of Colorado Denver ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Colorado Denver earn a median of $66,022 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Sustainability Science Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for sustainability science this year:

26
27
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
28
29
30
University Of Vermont crest
University Of Vermont
Burlington, VT
31
32
33
34
35
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
36
37
Regis University crest
Regis University
Denver, CO
38
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
39
40
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
41
42
Everglades University crest
Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL
43
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
44
45
46
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
47
48
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
49
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
50

Other Sustainability Science Degree Levels

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

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

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 278 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 36 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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