2026 Best Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 162 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Animal Science master's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 162 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, South Dakota State University landed the #2 spot. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $23,162 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. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned it the #3 place in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at West Texas A And M University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,333. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on West Texas A And M University
Angelo State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Animal Science ranking in the United States. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $19,183 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $19,183 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Angelo State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #6 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $20,981 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #7 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Animal Science student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Wyoming landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Texas Tech University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,369. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $21,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Kansas State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $22,757 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,757 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Delaware landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $24,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Iowa State University placed #12 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. 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. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. 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. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. 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
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,689 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $22,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,500. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Arkansas landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,551. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Tarleton State University placed #18 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 average $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Tarleton State University Animal Science students take on a median of $21,638 in debt. Tarleton State University alumni report median earnings of $53,040 a decade after entry. Set against $21,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Tarleton State University
Cornell University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Animal Science student debt is $14,100. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Georgia landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Washington State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,545. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,545 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
Michigan State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan State University profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Animal Science student debt is $18,906. 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 Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,475 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $16,475 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of California Davis ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $13,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Animal Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,045 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,045 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,651 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $17,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,631. 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. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Auburn University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,625 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Maryland College Park placed #32 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Animal Science students take on a median of $19,850 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Utah State University placed #34 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $17,449 in student loans. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,449 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
Oregon State University placed #35 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Oregon State University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,362 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Oregon State University profile
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,693. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,693 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Kentucky landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
West Virginia University placed #37 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. More on West Virginia University
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Rutgers University New Brunswick Animal Science students take on a median of $25,169 in debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,169 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
University Of Idaho placed #40 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Animal Science students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Idaho has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about University Of Idaho
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. New Mexico State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $18,489 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $18,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #42 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $21,936 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Arizona came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $18,195 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arizona
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,143 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Set against $23,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Tuskegee University placed #46 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tuskegee, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Tuskegee University Animal Science students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,641 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%. See the full Tuskegee University profile
University Of Vermont came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Burlington, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. University Of Vermont Animal Science students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Vermont admits about 65% of applicants. More on University Of Vermont
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Animal Science students take on a median of $24,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
University Of Maine landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maine report
University Of Connecticut came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. University Of Connecticut Animal Science students take on a median of $17,758 in debt. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
Related Animal Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Graduate Certificate 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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