Skip to main content

Best Value Agricultural Engineering Colleges

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

University of Florida stands apart in agricultural engineering education with a remarkable $6,351 net cost that produces graduates earning $46,478 annually. This combination creates one of the strongest value propositions in the field, especially considering the 91.5% graduation rate and highly selective 23.35% acceptance rate. The earnings spectrum across these 20 programs spans from $46,087 to $73,164, with University of Maryland graduates commanding the highest salaries at $73,164 despite a net cost of $15,590. Agricultural engineering opportunities flourish throughout the Midwest and Southeast, where major food processing companies like Cargill, John Deere, and Tyson Foods actively recruit graduates to design automated farming systems, develop sustainable irrigation technologies, and optimize food production facilities. Public institutions dominate this field, offering in-state students significant savings while maintaining strong connections to regional agricultural industries that drive America's $400 billion farming economy.
37
Programs
$6,351 – $32,337
Net Price Range
$57,143
Avg. Program Earnings
74.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Agricultural Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $46,478 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $15,590 $73,164 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
3 $13,816 $64,791 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
4 $13,945 $63,997 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
5 $16,334 $67,660 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
6 $15,201 $61,303 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
7 $17,424 $67,324 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
8 $17,139 $65,238 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
9 $16,928 $63,749 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
10 $15,624 $55,964 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
11 $14,714 $49,269 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
12 $18,165 $60,485 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
13 $16,931 $55,693 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
14 $18,292 $57,920 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
15 $17,883 $55,718 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
16 $17,980 $52,107 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
17 $20,751 $56,415 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
18 $17,722 $48,041 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
19 $17,218 $46,087 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
20 $20,924 $53,984 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
21 $19,568 $48,041 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
22 $23,519 $57,318 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
23 $23,790 $57,318 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
24 $22,112 $48,823 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
25 $32,337 $51,690 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
26 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
27 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
28 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
29 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
30 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
31 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
32 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
33 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
34 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
35 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
36 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
37 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida such an strong value for agricultural engineering?

Florida combines the lowest net cost at $6,351 with a strong 91.5% graduation rate and highly selective 23.35% acceptance rate. Graduates earn $46,478 annually, creating solid return on investment for students entering this specialized field. The program benefits from Florida's year-round growing season and connections to citrus, sugar, and vegetable farming industries.

How do earnings vary across different agricultural engineering programs?

Graduate salaries range from $46,087 to $73,164, with University of Maryland leading at $73,164 annually. North Dakota State and Nebraska graduates also command strong salaries above $67,000, reflecting demand in major agricultural regions. These earnings differences often correlate with regional industry concentration and proximity to major agricultural equipment manufacturers.

Is there a significant cost difference between in-state and out-of-state attendance?

In-state tuition creates substantial savings, ranging from $6,381 at University of Florida to $16,488 at Minnesota Twin Cities. Out-of-state students face net costs between $13,816 at Georgia and $18,292 at Ohio State. Several programs like North Dakota State offer generous acceptance rates above 95%, making admission more accessible for qualified candidates.

Does graduation rate impact program quality in agricultural engineering?

Graduation rates span from 60.9% at Wisconsin River Falls to 91.5% at University of Florida, often reflecting program rigor and student support systems. Schools like Wisconsin Madison and Maryland maintain rates above 88% while producing high-earning graduates. Lower graduation rates don't necessarily indicate poor quality but may reflect different student populations or program structures.

Where do agricultural engineering graduates typically find employment?

Graduates work for agricultural equipment manufacturers like John Deere and Case IH, food processing companies including Cargill and ADM, and government agencies such as the USDA. The Midwest corridor from Minnesota to Nebraska offers concentrated opportunities due to intensive farming operations. Starting salaries typically range from $45,000 to $65,000, with experienced engineers earning significantly more in specialized roles.

More Agricultural Engineering Rankings

Cheapest Agricultural Engineering Agricultural Engineering Under $20,000

Related

All Agricultural Engineering Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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