2026 Best Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 973 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Northwest Missouri State University, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,235. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Set against $22,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Agriculture Ag Operations ranking in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,525 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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 #5 this year. 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. South Dakota State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $22,846 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,991 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $19,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
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. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $18,012 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $18,012 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Angelo State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set 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. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,183. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Angelo State University profile
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $20,078. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Sam Houston State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,248. 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 admits about 90% of applicants. More on Sam Houston State University
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $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. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full California State University Fresno profile
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. Students borrow a median of $20,550 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $14,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,742 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University
Iowa State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $20,965 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $20,965 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
Texas Tech University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $19,704 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Tarleton State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Tarleton State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,578 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,040 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tarleton State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Tarleton State University
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Graduates carry a median of $23,100 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. That is a strong return on a $23,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Murray State University
Delaware State University placed #19 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,670 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,307 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. Read more about Delaware State University
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $21,154. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,154 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Kansas State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $21,867 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $21,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,739. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. Set against $21,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $19,697 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $19,697 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Washington State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $17,595 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Set against $17,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Alcorn State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,785. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $25,163. Alcorn State University alumni report median earnings of $36,421 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alcorn State University admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about Alcorn State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agriculture Ag Operations Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $18,965. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $18,965 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $16,402 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,402 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Martin, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,919. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
Purdue University Main Campus placed #30 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $17,627 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $17,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Michigan State University placed #32 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $18,685 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,497 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. 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%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $16,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. 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. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $19,115. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,115 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $22,999. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Set against $22,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Arkansas came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $20,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $20,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,210 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $18,210 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of Florida came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $14,887. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Mississippi State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $21,353. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Mississippi State University report
Clemson University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $24,061 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,061 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $13,871. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,987. 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. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $23,656 to complete their Agriculture Ag Operations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Kentucky University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #45 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. 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. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $18,408. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $18,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Montana State University Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $21,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,263. Set against $21,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Montana State University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,570 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,570 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Tennessee State University placed #48 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. Located in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. The median Agriculture Ag Operations program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Tennessee State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Agriculture Ag Operations students take on a median of $18,509 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $18,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student debt is $19,063. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #51 among the best-value Agriculture Ag Operations schools in the United States. 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. Typical Agriculture Ag Operations student 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. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $22,962 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University Commerce
Related Agriculture Ag Operations Value Rankings
Explore 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 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).
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