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Agriculture Colleges Under $20,000

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

California State University-Stanislaus offers the nation's most affordable agricultural operations program at just $5,671 net cost, yet graduates from Ohio State earn $59,576 annually in the field. This $54,000 cost-to-earnings gap reveals how strategic program selection can maximize return on investment in agricultural sciences. The 15 schools offering specialized agricultural operations programs span from Georgia to California, reflecting agriculture's role as a $1.8 trillion industry requiring specialized expertise in farm management, commodity trading, and agricultural technology. While acceptance rates reach 96.61% at Cal State Stanislaus, the University of California-Davis maintains selectivity at 37.34% acceptance while achieving an 85.10% graduation rate. Agricultural operations graduates typically work for major food corporations, government agencies like the USDA, or agricultural cooperatives that manage everything from grain elevators to precision farming technologies across America's farmland.
15
Programs
$5,671 – $18,292
Net Price Range
$46,084
Avg. Program Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
2 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
3 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
5 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
6 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
7 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
8 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
9 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
10 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
11 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
14 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
15 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Net costs range from $5,671 at California State University-Stanislaus to $18,292 at Ohio State University, a difference of $12,621 annually. Public in-state tuition varies even more dramatically, from $3,195 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia to $16,488 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. These differences reflect state funding levels, with Georgia and California providing substantial support for agricultural education. Regional cost of living also impacts net prices, as rural locations typically offer lower housing and meal costs.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity in agricultural operations?

The most selective programs achieve the highest completion rates, with UC Davis graduating 85.10% of students despite accepting only 37.34% of applicants. University of Maryland follows this pattern with 88.60% graduation and 44.61% acceptance rates. Conversely, schools with acceptance rates above 95% like Cal State Stanislaus and University of Kentucky show graduation rates of 58% and 69.90% respectively. This suggests that academic preparation strongly influences success in agricultural operations programs.

Is earning potential worth the higher costs at top-tier agricultural programs?

Ohio State graduates earn $59,576 annually despite the program's $18,292 net cost, while Murray State graduates earn $35,213 with only $9,121 in annual costs. The $24,363 earnings difference could justify Ohio State's higher investment over a career span. However, University of Arizona graduates earn $51,386 at $15,960 net cost, offering strong middle-ground value. Student debt levels also vary significantly, from $17,000 at Murray State to $25,000 at Ohio State.

Where do agricultural operations graduates find the best job markets regionally?

Western and Midwest agricultural programs typically lead to higher-paying positions, with Arizona and Ohio graduates earning above $50,000 annually. California's Central Valley, where UC Davis operates, hosts major agricultural corporations like Blue Diamond and Wonderful Company. The Southeast shows more varied outcomes, with Alabama A&M graduating only 28.70% of students compared to 85.10% at UC Davis. Regional agricultural diversity affects career paths, from livestock operations in Kentucky to precision agriculture technology in California.

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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.