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2027 Best Value Food Science Schools in the Southeast Region

9 Colleges in the United States
$21,827 Avg Student Debt
$65,696 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Food Science Badge [Food Science](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-science-technology/food-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for food science students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Food Science Schools in the Southeast Region

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

Best Value Food Science Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Our analysis ranked University Of Florida the best value for a degree in food science in the Southeast Region. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the food science program here. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $58,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in food science will find it at University Of Georgia, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the food science program here. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $82,065. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

3

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value food science schools. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $50,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.

4
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value food science schools. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $24,475. Early-career food science graduates make about $47,383. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

5
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

Students looking for strong value in food science will find it at University Of Arkansas, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $53,205 early in their careers. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

6

University Of Kentucky earned the #6 position for value in food science this year. Located in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $49,123 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

7

The University Of Tennessee landed the #7 spot for food science value this year. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $20,632. Food Science graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $48,441 early in their careers. Set against $20,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

8
Clemson University crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University landed the #8 spot for food science value this year. Set in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Food Science graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $39,600. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.

9

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value food science schools. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Food Science graduates carry a median of $26,875 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $56,274. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.

View All Food Science Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 9 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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