2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 973 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations doctoral degree schools 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 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. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #3 this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,991. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,991 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $20,550. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,550 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
A rank of #5 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values in the United States. Set 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. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,497. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $19,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,704. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Cornell University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,697. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,697 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,543 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $23,543 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Iowa State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $20,965 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $20,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
Kansas State University placed #11 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $21,867 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located 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. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $17,627. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $19,115 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $19,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Arkansas came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $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. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Arkansas
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $16,951 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Georgia landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,570. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Washington State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $17,595 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,595 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of California Davis landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,871 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $13,871 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $18,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,063 in debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $19,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,509. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Florida came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $14,887 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $14,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Clemson University placed #22 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $24,061. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,061 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clemson University report
Auburn University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,267. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $21,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,987 in debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,987 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $21,810 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,303. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years 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
Oregon State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,883. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Oregon State University
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $21,805 in student loans. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $21,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. 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. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,844. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,844 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Utah State University
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,558. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
Michigan State University placed #32 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,685 in debt. 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 admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Michigan State University
West Virginia University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $23,115 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,115 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Virginia University profile
University Of Kentucky landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $22,156 in student loans. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $22,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $23,754. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $23,754 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 Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,787 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #37 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $20,497 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $20,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
University Of Idaho ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,946. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,946 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Idaho profile
University Of Vermont landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. University Of Vermont Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. University Of Vermont alumni report median earnings of $62,472 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Vermont
University Of Connecticut came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,013 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about University Of Connecticut
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Orono, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $27,000. University Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $48,653 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Maine
Central Technology Center came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Central Technology Center
Colorado Academy Of Veterinary Technology landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Colorado Academy Of Veterinary Technology report
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. More on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Redlands Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Redlands Community College report
Salem Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. See the full Salem Community College profile
Springfield Technical Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Get the full Springfield Technical Community College report
Tennessee Technological University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Black River Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Get the full Black River Technical College report
Related Agriculture Ag Operations Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.