2026 Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 43 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 Agricultural Engineering Ae Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae school 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
Out of the 43 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #3 spot. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on this year's best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae ranking in the United States. This public school is set 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 $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
A rank of #5 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Iowa State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Cornell University Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $15,502 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,502 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $26,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Clemson University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. 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. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
Kansas State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $22,873 in student loans. 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. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of California Davis came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $14,404. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $21,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $21,350 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of Florida ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Agricultural Engineering Ae program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida
Michigan State University placed #17 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Michigan State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #18 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Washington State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Washington State University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Agricultural Engineering Ae students take on a median of $24,872 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $24,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Oregon State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Engineering Ae student debt is $20,577. Median earnings reach $57,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
University Of Kentucky ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Located 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. The median Agricultural Engineering Ae program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Arizona came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of Georgia landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Rest of the Top 15% Best-Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Berkeley landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
North Carolina A And T State University placed #30 among the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools in the United States. Read the full report on North Carolina A And T State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Kentucky State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Read more about Kentucky State University
Indian Hills Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Get the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University report
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. Read more about Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. See the full Pennsylvania State University Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Clark State Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Engineering Ae schools. See the full Clark State Community College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Related Agricultural Engineering Ae Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Agricultural Engineering Ae Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.