2026 Best Value Agricultural Production Schools
Looking for the best-value Agricultural Production programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 289 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Agricultural Production Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture to be the best-value Agricultural Production school in the United States. Based in Curtis, NE, Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,926. Graduates carry a median of $11,629 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $11,629 median debt. Get the full Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture report
For return on investment, no school beat Ridgewater College this year in the United States. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $15,556. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
A rank of #3 makes Kirkwood Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Agricultural Production students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
A rank of #3 makes Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar one of the best values in the United States. Set in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,780, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,306 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
You'll get strong value at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Agricultural Production students take on a median of $12,112 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Community College placed #6 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $11,937. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Community College
Mitchell Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,524. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Mitchell Technical Institute
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $13,319. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College placed #10 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
South Dakota State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Minnesota Crookston ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. Located in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,288. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $26,661. University Of Minnesota Crookston alumni report median earnings of $58,056 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Crookston admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston
Northwest Mississippi Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Senatobia, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,740. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $9,990. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,396. Set against $9,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest Mississippi Community College
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #16 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Students borrow a median of $17,730 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Set against $17,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Sam Houston State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Iowa State University placed #18 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Agricultural Production students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,211 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Wyoming came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Kansas State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $24,043. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Oregon State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Agricultural Production students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #24 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Agricultural Production students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Mississippi State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $23,969. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agricultural Production Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Georgia ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $21,792. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College placed #27 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Set in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, compared with $10,588 for out-of-state students. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Agricultural Production students take on a median of $22,368 in debt. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College alumni report median earnings of $34,996 a decade after entry. Set against $22,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Washington State University placed #28 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $17,395 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Washington State University report
University Of Arkansas placed #29 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $24,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $19,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Kentucky University
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Wooster, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,584, while out-of-state students pay about $36,362. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $12,000. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $24,408. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Dordt College placed #34 among the best-value Agricultural Production schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,050 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,812 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,559 ten years after entry. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Dordt College
Lake Land College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Mattoon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, with out-of-state students paying around $14,301. Students borrow a median of $7,769 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Median earnings reach $38,877 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Land College profile
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Niagara County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Sanborn, NY, Niagara County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,894, compared with $12,030 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $42,285 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Niagara County Community College report
Southern Maine Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Students borrow a median of $13,869 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,661 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,869 median debt. More on Southern Maine Community College
Southern Utah University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. Set in Cedar City, UT, Southern Utah University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,962, while out-of-state students pay about $21,192. Students borrow a median of $12,886 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Utah University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Southern Utah University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Typical Agricultural Production student debt is $23,730. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Utah State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. The median Agricultural Production program debt is $16,191. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
University Of California Davis came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $13,712 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Set against $13,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of Idaho ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. This public school is set in Moscow, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Students borrow a median of $23,844 to complete their Agricultural Production program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Idaho
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Agricultural Production students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Production schools. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Middle Tennessee State University Agricultural Production students take on a median of $22,754 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
University Of Vermont came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Graduates carry a median of $22,607 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Vermont
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Agricultural Production students take on a median of $21,861 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Best Value Agricultural Production Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Agricultural Production Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Production Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 289 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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