2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 973 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 produce 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 Agriculture Ag Operations Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Ridgewater College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations programs schools in the United States. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Ridgewater College Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $10,959 in debt. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Set against $10,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ridgewater College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,748 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,748 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #3 makes Central Community College one of the best values in the United States. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $12,184. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Bismarck State College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Bismarck State College alumni report median earnings of $54,277 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Bismarck State College
Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set 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 $11,667 in student loans. Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture
Northeast Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $10,575 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,575 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. Lake Area Technical Institute Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $12,158. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Dakota State College Of Science
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $12,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,306 ten years after entry. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $10,630 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. Set against $10,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kirkwood Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Brigham Young University Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,867. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,524. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,743. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mitchell Technical Institute report
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
North Shore Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Danvers, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Graduates carry a median of $14,145 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. That is a strong return on a $14,145 median debt. See the full North Shore Community College profile
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Southeast Technical Institute is a public school based in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,442. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
South Dakota State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,846. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $7,125. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,125 median debt. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Des Moines Area Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,547 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Des Moines Area Community College
University Of Northwestern Ohio placed #22 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Lima, OH, University Of Northwestern Ohio is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,366. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $23,805. Median earnings reach $50,968 ten years out. Set against $23,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Northwestern Ohio
University Of Minnesota Crookston offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public school based in Crookston, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,288. University Of Minnesota Crookston Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,647 in debt. 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. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $17,730. 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. Read the full report on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,525 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northwest Mississippi Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,740. Northwest Mississippi Community College Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $9,990 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,396. Set against $9,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwest Mississippi Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,365 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $22,365 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,692. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,760. Set against $18,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,432 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,432 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #30 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full Southwest Minnesota State University report
Oklahoma Panhandle State University placed #31 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,092 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,933. Set against $24,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Dickinson State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. Set against $27,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 37%. Get the full Dickinson State University report
California State University Fresno came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,001 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Set against $15,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Owens Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,870, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,383. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,275. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. More on Owens Community College
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Tifton, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, with out-of-state students paying around $10,588. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $23,986. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,996 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Angelo State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,183. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $19,183 median debt. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Angelo State University profile
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,919. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Set against $19,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,235 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,235 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
West Texas A And M University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $20,078 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Sam Houston State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,248. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,248 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,991. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $20,965. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $20,965 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,697. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,697 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,920. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,920 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Kansas State University placed #46 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,867 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
Alcorn State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. Students borrow a median of $25,163 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $15,013. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $15,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,012 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,210. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $18,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Lake Land College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,142 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lake Land College
Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 973 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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