2026 Best Value Ecology Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

For return on investment in ecology, no school beat University Of Maryland College Park this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ecology graduates is $19,635. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $36,375. That is a strong return on a $19,635 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants.

2

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete the ecology program here. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $50,370. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

3

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Students looking for strong value in ecology will find it at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete the ecology program here. Early-career ecology graduates make about $84,850. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.

4

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

Students looking for strong value in ecology will find it at University Of Delaware, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Ecology graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career ecology graduates make about $33,296. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants.

5

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical student debt for ecology graduates is $20,500. Ecology graduates of Stony Brook University earn a median of $22,725 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

6

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value ecology schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete the ecology program here. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $76,132. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

7

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo came in at #7 for value in ecology this year. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Ecology graduates carry a median of $22,232 in student loans. Ecology graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

8

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #8 for value in ecology this year. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical student debt for ecology graduates is $27,000. Ecology graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $39,491 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.

9

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #9 for value in ecology this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

10

New York University
New York, NY

New York University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value ecology schools. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the ecology program here. Ecology graduates of New York University earn a median of $41,024 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.