by our College Data Analytics Team
[Packaging Science](/majors/engineering-technologies/engineering-related-fields/packaging-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong packaging science education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for packaging science students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the packaging science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked San Jose State University the best value for a degree in packaging science in the United States. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in packaging science will find it at Christian Brothers University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Memphis, Christian Brothers University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,420 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for packaging science graduates is $32,416. Soon after graduation, packaging science degree recipients from Christian Brothers University generally make around $51,040. That is a strong return on a $32,416 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value packaging science schools. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical student debt for packaging science graduates is $19,273. Soon after graduation, packaging science degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%.
Michigan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in packaging science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $23,756 to complete the packaging science program here. Soon after graduation, packaging science degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $76,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
A rank of #5 makes Rutgers University New Brunswick one of the best values for packaging science. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,120 to complete the packaging science program here. Packaging Science graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $58,402 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #6 spot for packaging science value this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,210. Students borrow a median of $27,750 to complete the packaging science program here. Packaging Science graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $74,923 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
Pratt Institute Main earned the #7 position for value in packaging science this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Pratt Institute Main is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,845 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for packaging science graduates is $25,103. Early-career packaging science graduates make about $38,569. That is a strong return on a $25,103 median debt. Pratt Institute Main admits about 73% of applicants.
Explore the best-value packaging science schools at other degree levels:
View All Packaging Science Rankings >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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.