2026 Best Value Animal Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 162 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, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Animal Science Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat South Dakota State University this year in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $23,162 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $23,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $23,625 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,981 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $20,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Wyoming came in at #5 on this year's best-value Animal Science ranking in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Texas Tech University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Animal Science students take on a median of $21,369 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,369 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Iowa State University placed #7 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. 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. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located 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. Typical Animal Science student debt is $24,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Animal Science student debt is $18,906. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Kansas State University placed #10 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,757. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $22,757 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Georgia placed #11 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Animal Science program debt is $14,100. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $14,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Arkansas came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Animal Science program debt is $23,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Auburn University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $21,625 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $21,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on Auburn University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,689 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $22,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Animal Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #19 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, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Animal Science student debt is $22,045. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Animal Science students take on a median of $22,631 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,631 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #21 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $17,651 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,651 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,475 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Michigan State University placed #24 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $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. 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
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #25 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,850. 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%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Utah State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Utah State University Animal Science students take on a median of $17,449 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $17,449 median debt. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Utah State University
Washington State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,545. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Washington State University
The University Of Tennessee placed #29 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,693 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $21,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Kentucky placed #30 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $20,500. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about West Virginia University
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $18,489 to complete their Animal Science program here. 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. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of Vermont ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. The median Animal Science program debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $62,472 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Connecticut came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Graduates carry a median of $17,758 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,758 median debt. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
Abilene Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read the full report on Abilene Christian University
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. See the full North Carolina A And T State University profile
Clemson University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Clemson University
University Of Rio Grande ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. More on University Of Rio Grande
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
Central Wyoming College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. See the full Central Wyoming College profile
Fort Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Fort Valley State University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Buena Vista University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. More on Buena Vista University
Colorado Northwestern Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Colorado Northwestern Community College
Clarendon College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Clarendon College
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Maine landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on University Of Maine
Linn Benton Community College placed #49 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Read the full report on Linn Benton Community College
Morgan Community College placed #50 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. See the full Morgan Community College profile
Related Animal Science Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Animal Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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