2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 973 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 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 Agriculture Ag Operations Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations school in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,235. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #3 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking 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. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,525. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $22,525 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,846. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $22,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,432 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #7 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations 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, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $19,991 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $19,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Angelo State University placed #8 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Angelo State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,183 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $19,183 median debt. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Angelo State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,012. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
West Texas A And M University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $20,078 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $20,078 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
Sam Houston State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,248 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $21,248 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
California State University Fresno landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,001 in student loans. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $20,550. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Cornell University placed #14 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,742. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $14,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University
Iowa State University placed #15 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,965 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
Tarleton State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Graduates carry a median of $21,578 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,040. Set against $21,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Tarleton State University
Texas Tech University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $19,704 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $19,704 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Delaware State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, with out-of-state students paying around $20,634. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Median earnings reach $49,307 ten years out. Set against $23,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delaware State University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Get the full Delaware State University report
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Murray State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $23,100 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. Set against $23,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Murray State University report
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,154. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $21,154 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Stephen F Austin State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,739 in debt. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,739 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $21,867 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Wyoming came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,697. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,697 median debt. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming
University Of Delaware placed #24 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $23,543 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,543 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $17,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Washington State University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #26 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,497. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Alcorn State University placed #27 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. Students borrow a median of $25,163 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,421 ten years after entry. Set against $25,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Alcorn State University report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $16,402. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,965 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $17,627 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $17,627 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,919 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee Martin admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee Martin
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,951 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. 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, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,115 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,115 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Michigan State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,685. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $18,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Arkansas placed #36 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $20,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $20,585 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #37 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $22,999. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $22,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Mississippi State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,353. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Mississippi State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,210. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $14,887 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,887 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of California Davis landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $13,871. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $13,871 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,408 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $18,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Clemson University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $24,061. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $24,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $18,987 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Georgia ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,570 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $21,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Western Kentucky University is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,656 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
Montana State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,639. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Montana State University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,727. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,509 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $18,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #50 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,063. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $19,063 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Tennessee State University placed #51 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,730 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Tennessee State University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,303. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $14,303 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 973 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).