2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 973 institutions 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 reviewed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations school in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. 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. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,525 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $22,846 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $22,846 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,991. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $20,550 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #5 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,497. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $19,497 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,704 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,704 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,742 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $14,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,697. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $19,697 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Delaware ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $23,543 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $23,543 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Iowa State University placed #10 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,965 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. 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. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
Kansas State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $21,867 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. 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%. Read more about Kansas State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $17,627. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,627 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,115 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Arkansas ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $20,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $20,585 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #15 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. 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. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $16,951 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,570 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Washington State University placed #17 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set 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 Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $17,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $17,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of California Davis ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $13,871. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,871 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,408 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $18,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #20 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,063 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $19,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,509. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $14,887 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full University Of Florida profile
Clemson University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $24,061. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $24,061 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. 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 $21,267 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $21,267 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #25 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $18,987 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $18,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,810 in student loans. 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
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,303. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,303 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Oregon State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,883. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on Oregon State University
The University Of Tennessee landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,805. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $21,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Utah State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,844. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Set against $14,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Students borrow a median of $18,558 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,558 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Michigan State University placed #32 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,685. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
West Virginia University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,115 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $23,115 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full West Virginia University report
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,156. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,754 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,754 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Maryland College Park placed #36 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,787. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $20,497 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $20,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Idaho placed #38 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,084 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. University Of Idaho Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,946 in debt. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,946 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Idaho profile
University Of Vermont came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. University Of Vermont Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Vermont
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,013. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,013 median debt. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Maine ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. University Of Maine Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Maine profile
Columbia Basin College placed #42 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Read the full report on Columbia Basin College
Independence Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Independence Community College profile
J F Ingram State Technical College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full J F Ingram State Technical College profile
Reedley College
Reedley College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Reedley College profile
Regis University
Regis University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Regis University report
Saddleback College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Saddleback College report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
St Andrews Presbyterian College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about St Andrews Presbyterian College
University Of Central Missouri placed #50 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s 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 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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