2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 973 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Agriculture Ag Operations Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #2 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Idaho Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $14,867 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at Chadron State College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Students borrow a median of $15,989 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,989 median debt. Read more about Chadron State College
A rank of #4 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,846. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $22,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Crookston earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Crookston, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $13,288. University Of Minnesota Crookston Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,647 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,056 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,647 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Crookston
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. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,525. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,365 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $22,365 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Northwestern Ohio placed #9 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. University Of Northwestern Ohio is a private not-for-profit school based in Lima, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,366. Students borrow a median of $23,805 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,968 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Northwestern Ohio
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,692. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,760. Set against $18,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $8,432. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $27,016. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southwest Minnesota State University report
Dickinson State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,118. Dickinson State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $27,266 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,720. That is a strong return on a $27,266 median debt. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Dickinson State University report
Oklahoma Panhandle State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,092, while out-of-state students pay about $8,675. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,933 ten years after entry. Set against $24,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
California State University Fresno ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $15,001. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Set against $15,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Fresno
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, compared with $10,588 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $23,986. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,989 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,989 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,919. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Tennessee Martin report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,235. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Angelo State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $19,183 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,116 ten years after entry. Set against $19,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Angelo State University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,173. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $18,920 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
West Texas A And M University placed #24 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $20,078 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Sam Houston State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,248 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,248 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Iowa State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $20,965 in student loans. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,965 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Wyoming placed #28 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set 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. University Of Wyoming Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,697 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $19,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Alcorn State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Alcorn State, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,785. Students borrow a median of $25,163 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Alcorn State University alumni report median earnings of $36,421 a decade after entry. Set against $25,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Kansas State University placed #30 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $21,867 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,210 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $15,013 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. Set against $15,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $19,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 $18,012 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations 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 $18,012 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $19,272 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $17,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $17,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $16,402. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $16,402 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
California State University Chico came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,807. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full California State University Chico report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,115 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $19,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Tennessee Technological University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,915 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Set against $14,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Langston University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Langston University is a public school based in Langston, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,863, while out-of-state students pay about $14,616. Students borrow a median of $28,310 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,261. That is a strong return on a $28,310 median debt. Read more about Langston University
Texas Tech University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,704 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Stephen F Austin State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,739 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $21,739 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Stephen F Austin State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,951 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,550 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Auburn University placed #48 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,267 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Auburn University
Morehead State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,197 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Morehead State University report
Eastern Kentucky University placed #50 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Median earnings reach $45,795 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #51 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,154. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $21,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill placed #52 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cobleskill, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,768, with out-of-state students paying around $18,678. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $45,030 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,965. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Murray State University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $23,100 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Murray State University alumni report median earnings of $44,737 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,578. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Set against $21,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Tarleton State University
Related Agriculture Ag Operations Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations 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 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).