2026 Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Schools
Looking for the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 43 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 help you make your decision, 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 Agricultural Engineering Ae Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
South Dakota State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae programs schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
You'll get strong value at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,420 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin River Falls one of the best values in the United States. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
You'll get strong value at Purdue University Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Iowa State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $21,500. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $24,019. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $26,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $16,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #13 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. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. 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
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of California Davis ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $14,404. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
North Carolina A And T State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Graduates carry a median of $29,078 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,440 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina A And T State University has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full North Carolina A And T State University profile
Kansas State University placed #17 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $22,873 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,873 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $21,903. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Georgia came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,350 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $21,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,502 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Michigan State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Tennessee
Rest of the Top 15% Best-Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #26 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Clemson University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Clemson University report
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $24,872 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $24,872 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #29 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Graduates carry a median of $20,577 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
University Of Kentucky ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. University Of Kentucky Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Oregon State University placed #31 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Oregon State University Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
Kentucky State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. See the full Kentucky State University profile
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University placed #33 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Read the full report on Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff placed #34 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. More on University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. See the full Pennsylvania State University Main Campus profile
Clark State Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. More on Clark State Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
University Of California Los Angeles placed #38 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Indian Hills Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
University Of California Berkeley placed #40 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about University Of Arizona
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 43 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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