2026 Best Value Animal Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 162 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Animal Science school in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $18,870 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $18,870 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,162. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,162 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Crookston one of the best values in the United States. Based in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,288. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,056. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Crookston profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Wisconsin River Falls, which ranked #4 this year. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Platteville one of the best values in the United States. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $20,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $23,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez placed #7 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Animal Science students take on a median of $7,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,125 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Northwest Missouri State University placed #8 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University placed #9 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,092, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete their Animal Science program here. 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. More on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $17,585 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Set against $17,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Fresno
University Of Wyoming placed #11 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Angelo State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Angelo State University Animal Science students take on a median of $19,183 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $19,183 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Angelo State University report
Iowa State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. 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. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
Kansas State University placed #14 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $22,757 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
Sam Houston State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,745 to complete their Animal Science program here. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,745 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #15 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,936 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $21,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Animal Science students take on a median of $20,981 in debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,981 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $15,550 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $15,550 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University Chico placed #19 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,334 in student loans. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Chico
Purdue University Main Campus placed #20 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #21 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Auburn University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $21,625 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $21,625 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Auburn University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Texas State University San Marcos placed #25 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Texas State University San Marcos Animal Science students take on a median of $21,662 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,662 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,687. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $19,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,689 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Texas Tech University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,369. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,369 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Georgia placed #29 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,739. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. Set against $21,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephen F Austin State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Animal Science student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill placed #32 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public school based in Cobleskill, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,768, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill alumni report median earnings of $45,030 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill admits about 84% of applicants. More on Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
The University Of Findlay landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit school based in Findlay, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $41,164. The median Animal Science program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Findlay admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Findlay
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,302 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $21,638 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tarleton State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Tarleton State University
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Animal Science program debt is $17,651. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,651 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #37 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,045. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Animal Science students take on a median of $23,551 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,631. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $22,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Mississippi State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Mississippi State University Animal Science students take on a median of $20,938 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,513. Set against $20,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mississippi State University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located 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. University Of Florida Animal Science students take on a median of $16,475 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $16,475 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Animal Science student debt is $18,906. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $18,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #43 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Dordt College placed #44 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,812. Dordt College alumni report median earnings of $52,559 a decade after entry. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dordt College admits about 68% of applicants. More on Dordt College
Michigan State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Animal Science student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Michigan State University
North Carolina A And T State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Students borrow a median of $28,043 to complete their Animal Science program here. North Carolina A And T State University alumni report median earnings of $44,440 a decade after entry. Set against $28,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina A And T State University profile
Montana State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Montana State University Animal Science students take on a median of $24,034 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montana State University
Washington State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,545. 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. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #49 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Utah State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. The median Animal Science program debt is $17,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $17,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Utah State University
Related Animal Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Animal Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 · 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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