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Agricultural Public Services Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Agricultural Public Services programs show remarkable cost variation across the country, with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia charging just $6,061 net annually while Cal Poly San Luis Obispo reaches $15,624. This field prepares students for careers in agricultural extension, farm management, and policy roles that support America's $173 billion agricultural sector. Most public institutions keep costs under $15,000, making this career path accessible to students from farming communities who often return to serve rural areas. Graduation rates span from 29% to 87%, with larger research universities like University of Georgia and Purdue achieving the highest completion rates. The field connects directly to USDA extension programs, state agriculture departments, and farm service agencies that employ graduates in every agricultural region. Career earnings range from $35,594 to $44,384, reflecting the public service nature of many positions while still providing stable middle-class incomes in rural areas where cost of living remains lower.
30
Programs
$6,061 – $19,889
Net Price Range
$36,587
Avg. Program Earnings
65.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Agricultural Public Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
2 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
5 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
6 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
7 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
8 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
9 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
10 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
11 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
12 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
13 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
16 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
17 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
18 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
19 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
20 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
21 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
22 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
23 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
24 $17,525 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
25 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
26 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
27 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
28 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
29 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
30 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $9,563 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College costs $6,061 annually while Cal Poly San Luis Obispo reaches $15,624, reflecting different institutional models. Abraham Baldwin focuses specifically on agricultural education with lower overhead costs in rural Georgia. Cal Poly operates as a full polytechnic university with higher research costs and California's elevated living expenses. State funding levels also vary significantly, with Georgia providing more subsidies per student than California.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity?

The most selective programs achieve the highest graduation rates, with University of Georgia (42% acceptance, 87% graduation) leading both metrics. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants and graduates 85% of students. In contrast, University of Wyoming admits 96% of applicants but graduates 60% of students. Selective admission appears to identify students better prepared for program demands.

Is the $44,384 earning potential at Cal Poly worth the higher costs?

Cal Poly graduates earn $44,384 compared to $35,594 at University of Idaho, creating an $8,790 annual advantage. The $2,030 higher net cost at Cal Poly pays for itself within three months of graduation. California's agricultural sector offers higher-paying positions in agricultural technology and policy roles. The location advantage in a major agricultural state provides access to better-compensated career opportunities.

Does program size affect student outcomes in Agricultural Public Services?

Larger research universities generally show better graduation rates, with University of Georgia at 87% and Purdue at 83% leading smaller programs. These institutions offer more research opportunities and stronger alumni networks in agricultural agencies. However, smaller programs like Abraham Baldwin provide more personalized attention and direct connections to local agricultural communities. Size alone doesn't determine success, but resources and support systems do matter significantly.

Where do most graduates find employment after completing these programs?

Agricultural Public Services graduates typically work for USDA extension offices, state agriculture departments, and farm service agencies across rural America. Many return to their home regions to serve farming communities they understand. Government positions provide job security and benefits that offset the $35,000-$44,000 salary range. Private sector opportunities exist with agricultural cooperatives, insurance companies, and consulting firms serving farmers.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.