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Best Value Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services training for just $11,268 net cost, making it the most affordable option among quality programs nationwide. This dramatic cost advantage contrasts sharply with private alternatives like Johnson & Wales University-Providence at $32,478, creating a nearly $21,000 annual savings gap. Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates command the highest starting salaries at $30,926, reflecting strong demand in Colorado's $2.3 billion agricultural sector that employs over 173,000 workers across ranching, veterinary services, and animal nutrition companies. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Colorado State and West Texas A&M delivering solid earning potential at under $21,000 net cost. The earning range spans from $18,771 to $31,133, showing how program choice and regional job markets significantly impact graduate outcomes in this hands-on field.
30
Programs
$11,268 – $45,450
Net Price Range
$24,961
Avg. Program Earnings
52.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,037 $31,133 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
2 $20,332 $30,926 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
3 $20,841 $27,397 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
4 $23,731 $29,685 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
5 $23,277 $24,035 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
6 $20,428 $20,140 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
7 $22,270 $21,508 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
8 $23,863 $21,052 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
9 $32,478 $18,771 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
10 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
11 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
12 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
13 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
14 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
15 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
16 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
17 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
18 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
19 $15,306 $34,816 46.3% 64.9%
20 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
21 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
22 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
23 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
24 $21,148 $17,290 64.7% 77.0%
25 $16,669 $6,430 49.5% 36.3%
26 $18,508 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%
27 $43,465 $33,490 52.3% 78.2%
28 $45,450 $40,595 70.5% 81.7%
29 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
30 $19,196 $17,100 35.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado State University the top earner for agricultural graduates?

Colorado State graduates earn $30,926 annually, the highest among all programs, while maintaining a reasonable $20,332 net cost. The university's location in Fort Collins provides access to Colorado's major agricultural corridor and veterinary research facilities. The 66.90% graduation rate indicates strong program completion, and the 90.77% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for qualified students.

How much can students save by choosing public over private programs?

Public universities like Texas A&M Commerce ($11,268) and West Texas A&M ($20,841) cost significantly less than private options such as Delaware Valley University ($27,243) or Johnson & Wales ($32,478). The savings can exceed $20,000 annually while still providing solid career preparation. Colorado State proves that public programs can deliver the highest graduate earnings at $30,926 despite lower tuition costs.

Is the graduation rate important when choosing agricultural programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 45.90% at Texas A&M Commerce to 72.80% at Saint Francis University. Saint Francis achieves the highest completion rate at $19,173 net cost, making it an excellent middle-ground option. Programs with rates above 60% like Colorado State (66.90%) and Asbury University (65.00%) indicate stronger student support and academic preparation.

Does acceptance rate affect program quality in agricultural studies?

Most programs maintain high acceptance rates between 85-96%, making admission accessible for interested students. Stephens College has the most selective process at 64.15% acceptance, while still offering a competitive $23,277 net cost. Saint Francis University balances selectivity (73.05% acceptance) with the highest graduation rate (72.80%), suggesting rigorous but supportive academics.

Where do graduates find the best earning potential relative to debt?

Colorado State delivers the optimal balance with $30,926 earnings against $21,968 debt, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. West Texas A&M provides another strong option at $27,397 earnings with only $19,500 debt. Centenary University graduates earn well at $31,133 but carry higher debt loads of $23,250, still maintaining reasonable repayment prospects.

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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.