2026 Best Value Animal Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 162 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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 Animal Science Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found South Dakota State University to be the best-value Animal Science school in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,162. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $23,162 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
A rank of #3 makes University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez one of the best values in the United States. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. The median Animal Science program debt is $7,125. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Set against $7,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
A rank of #4 makes Angelo State University one of the best values in the United States. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Angelo State University Animal Science students take on a median of $19,183 in debt. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Set against $19,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Angelo State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #6 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Animal Science program debt is $20,981. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $20,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Animal Science students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Wyoming landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Texas Tech University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,369. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $21,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Kansas State University placed #10 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,757. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
University Of Delaware landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,572 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $24,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware
Iowa State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Iowa State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. 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. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #14 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $18,906. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $18,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Cornell University placed #15 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Animal Science student debt is $14,100. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,100 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,689. 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. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of Arkansas placed #17 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $23,551 to complete their Animal Science program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #17 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #20 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Tarleton State University placed #21 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Tarleton State University Animal Science students take on a median of $21,638 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,040. Set against $21,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Washington State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $19,545 to complete their Animal Science program here. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,545 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Washington State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,631. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $22,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on Michigan State University
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Davis placed #26 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Animal Science student debt is $13,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $13,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Florida landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Animal Science students take on a median of $16,475 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $16,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #28 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 average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $22,045 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Auburn University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $21,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $21,625 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Auburn University
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Animal Science student debt is $17,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $17,651 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Animal Science students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,850 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Utah State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $17,449 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Oregon State University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,362 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oregon State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,693. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $21,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Kentucky came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
West Virginia University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $20,500. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on West Virginia University
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $25,169. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,169 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
University Of Idaho placed #40 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. The median Animal Science program debt is $25,000. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. See the full University Of Idaho profile
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Animal Science student debt is $18,489. New Mexico State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,489 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $21,936 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,936 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Animal Science students take on a median of $18,195 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,195 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #44 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $23,143 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,143 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Vermont came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Vermont has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on University Of Vermont
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Tuskegee University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tuskegee, AL, Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. The median Animal Science program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $49,641 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Tuskegee University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Maine report
University Of Connecticut ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,758 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Best Value Animal Science Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Animal Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Animal Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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 162 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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