2026 Best Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Animal Science master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 162 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat North Dakota State University Main Campus this year in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $23,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. 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. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Animal Science students take on a median of $23,162 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $23,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $7,125 in student loans. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. Set against $7,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at West Texas A And M University, which ranked #4 this year. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
You'll get strong value at Angelo State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,183. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. Set against $19,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Angelo State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $20,981 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $20,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #7 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Animal Science program debt is $26,000. 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. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Animal Science students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
Texas Tech University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,369 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,369 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Kansas State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,757 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $22,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Kansas State University
University Of Delaware landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Animal Science program debt is $24,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Iowa State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. 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 Animal Science 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 the full report on Iowa State University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Animal Science program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Animal Science program debt is $22,689. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Animal Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Arkansas placed #17 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,551. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,551 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Tarleton State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. The median Animal Science program debt is $21,638. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Set against $21,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Cornell University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,100 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $14,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Animal Science students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. 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. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Animal Science program debt is $19,545. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $19,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Washington State University profile
Michigan State University placed #22 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Animal Science program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. 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, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $18,906. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. 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%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Florida ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Animal Science program debt is $16,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $16,475 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. The median Animal Science program debt is $13,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Animal Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Texas A And M University Kingsville
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Animal Science students take on a median of $22,045 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $17,651 in student loans. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $22,631 to complete their Animal Science program here. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $22,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Auburn University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Typical Animal Science student debt is $21,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $21,625 median debt. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Animal Science schools. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. 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%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Animal Science student debt is $19,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Utah State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $17,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $17,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Utah State University
Oregon State University placed #35 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $22,362 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Oregon State University report
The University Of Tennessee landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $21,693 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $21,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
West Virginia University placed #37 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Animal Science students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Virginia University
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #39 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median Animal Science program debt is $25,169. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,169 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
University Of Idaho landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Animal Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Idaho
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. New Mexico State University Main Campus Animal Science students take on a median of $18,489 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Students borrow a median of $21,936 to complete their Animal Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,936 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $18,195 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $18,195 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Typical Animal Science student debt is $23,143. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,143 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Animal Science students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Tuskegee University placed #46 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Tuskegee, AL, Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Typical Animal Science student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $49,641 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tuskegee University report
University Of Vermont offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Burlington, VT. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Animal Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,472. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Vermont profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #48 among the best-value Animal Science schools in the United States. Based in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Typical Animal Science student debt is $24,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Orono, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. University Of Maine Animal Science students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Maine
University Of Connecticut landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Typical Animal Science student debt is $17,758. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Set against $17,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
Related Animal Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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 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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