2026 Best Value Animal Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 162 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Animal Science Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Northeast Community College this year in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. The median Animal Science program debt is $11,937. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Community College profile
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Animal Science students take on a median of $18,870 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $18,870 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 162 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, South Dakota State University landed the #3 spot. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,162 in student loans. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,162 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Kirkwood Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Animal Science ranking in the United States. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Kirkwood Community College Animal Science students take on a median of $15,779 in debt. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Crookston earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,288. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,056. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Crookston
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar placed #6 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $41,306 ten years out. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #7 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $23,183 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Set against $23,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville placed #8 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. The median Animal Science program debt is $20,875. Median earnings reach $61,760 ten years out. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez placed #10 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Students borrow a median of $7,125 to complete their Animal Science program here. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. Set against $7,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
West Texas A And M University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Texas A And M University
Northwest Missouri State University placed #12 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Animal Science students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,092, with out-of-state students paying around $8,675. Oklahoma Panhandle State University Animal Science students take on a median of $24,249 in debt. Oklahoma Panhandle State University alumni report median earnings of $44,933 a decade after entry. Set against $24,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oklahoma Panhandle State University report
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno Animal Science students take on a median of $17,585 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. Set against $17,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
Angelo State University placed #15 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $19,183 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. Set against $19,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Angelo State University report
University Of Wyoming placed #16 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,250. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Iowa State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,757 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,757 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute placed #19 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Wooster, OH, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,584, compared with $36,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #20 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,981 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $20,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Sam Houston State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $21,745 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $21,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Students borrow a median of $21,936 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Set against $21,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Animal Science students take on a median of $15,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
California State University Chico landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chico, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. California State University Chico Animal Science students take on a median of $17,334 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Set against $17,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Arkansas State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #28 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. The median Animal Science program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Auburn University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University Animal Science students take on a median of $21,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Auburn University
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $21,662 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $21,662 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $19,687 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,687 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,689 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,689 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Texas Tech University placed #33 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,369 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,369 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Georgia placed #35 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,739. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,634 ten years after entry. Set against $21,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Cobleskill, NY, Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,768, with out-of-state students paying around $18,678. Typical Animal Science student debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,030. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Animal Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University Of Findlay landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Findlay, OH, The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,164. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Findlay has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on The University Of Findlay
Tarleton State University placed #40 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,638. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Set against $21,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Tarleton State University
University Of Arkansas landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $17,651 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,651 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,045. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $22,045 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $18,906. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,906 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,631 to complete their Animal Science program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $20,938. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Mississippi State University
University Of Florida ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $16,475 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #48 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Dordt College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Center, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,050. Dordt College Animal Science students take on a median of $21,812 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,559. That is a strong return on a $21,812 median debt. Dordt College has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Dordt College
North Carolina A And T State University placed #50 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, compared with $20,673 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $28,043. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,440 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina A And T State University
Best Value Animal Science Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Animal Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 162 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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