Best Value Agricultural Production Operations Colleges

North Dakota State University stands out among agricultural programs with graduates earning $56,415 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $16,334. This positions NDSU as the clear leader in post-graduation returns, earning nearly $17,000 more than the next highest program at Purdue. The Midwest dominates agricultural education value, with programs like University of Wyoming offering in-state tuition at $6,938 and strong career prospects in ranching and commodity production. Eastern Kentucky University provides the lowest overall net cost at $9,962, though graduation rates across agricultural programs average around 60 percent. The agricultural sector employs over 2.6 million Americans in production roles, from crop farming to livestock operations, with many positions requiring hands-on technical knowledge rather than advanced degrees. Programs range from $6,520 to $43,465 in annual costs, while starting salaries span from $24,615 to $56,415, reflecting regional variations in agricultural economies and specialization focus.

Programs

$6,500 – $43,465

Net Price Range

$34,898

Avg. Program Earnings

59.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Agricultural Production Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962	$35,060	$10,130	49.7%	64.3%
2	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, North Dakota	$16,334	$56,415	$10,857	63.7%	95.7%
3	University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming	$11,779	$39,729	$6,938	59.8%	96.0%
4	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$43,426	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
5	Utah State University Logan, Utah	$12,869	$39,909	$9,228	57.3%	93.7%
6	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi	$15,501	$41,193	$9,815	62.9%	75.2%
7	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874	$26,739	$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
8	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$36,134	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
9	University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky	$17,218	$31,133	$13,212	69.9%	94.9%
10	SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, New York	$17,393	$31,314	$8,769	31.9%	87.2%
11	Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas	$20,261	$31,133	$7,878	51.2%	87.1%
12	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, New Hampshire	$23,261	$27,048	$19,112	76.4%	87.0%
13	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$24,730	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
14	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$24,615	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
15	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152		$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
16	University of Rhode Island Kingston, Rhode Island	$19,899		$16,408	71.0%	76.4%
17	Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence, Rhode Island	$32,478		$40,408	54.9%	83.4%
18	Waynesburg University Waynesburg, Pennsylvania	$25,157		$29,460	60.5%	75.6%
19	Delaware Valley University Doylestown, Pennsylvania	$27,243		$43,300	52.2%	95.4%
20	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557		$7,922	26.1%
21	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219		$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
22	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599		$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
23	Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio	$32,342		$48,125	70.5%	84.5%
24	Wilmington College Wilmington, Ohio	$22,872		$30,962	55.1%	88.1%
25	Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, Texas	$11,268		$10,026	45.9%	86.5%
26	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500		$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
27	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931		$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
28	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924		$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
29	Sterling College Craftsbury Common, Vermont	$30,785		$40,760	42.9%	92.9%
30	Averett University Danville, Virginia	$23,262		$38,550	43.6%	76.0%
31	Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, Washington	$8,343		$6,513	47.5%
32	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401		$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
33	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780		$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
34	University of Puerto Rico-Utuado Utuado, Puerto Rico	$12,386		$5,354	24.6%	68.0%
35	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896		$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
36	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504		$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
37	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059		$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
38	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339		$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
39	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015		$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
40	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$15,960		$13,626	65.9%	86.8%
41	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679		$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
42	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California	$16,607		$14,560	74.5%	46.9%
43	Feather River Community College District Quincy, California	$6,520		$1,465	46.9%
44	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$22,886		$20,366	83.8%	54.5%
45	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida	$35,300		$44,360	65.5%	64.4%
46	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133		$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
47	University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, Hawaii	$13,181		$12,186	62.6%	72.8%
48	University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho	$13,782		$8,816	60.9%	73.9%
49	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710		$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
50	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana	$43,465		$33,490	52.3%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes North Dakota State University the top earner for agricultural production graduates?

NDSU graduates earn $56,415 annually, significantly higher than other programs in this analysis. The university benefits from North Dakota's booming agricultural economy, particularly in wheat, soybeans, and corn production. With a 95.68% acceptance rate and 63.70% graduation rate, NDSU provides accessible education with strong industry connections. The program's location in Fargo places students near major agricultural companies and commodity trading operations.

How do public university costs compare for agricultural production programs?

In-state tuition ranges dramatically from $6,938 at University of Wyoming to $19,112 at University of New Hampshire. Western state universities generally offer lower tuition, with Wyoming, Utah State at $9,228, and University of Idaho at $8,816 representing the most affordable options. Net costs after aid range from $9,962 at Eastern Kentucky to $23,691 at UMass Amherst. Regional cost differences often reflect state funding levels and local agricultural industry support.

Is debt load manageable for agricultural production graduates?

Average debt loads vary significantly, from $10,999 at UC Davis to $27,000 at SUNY Morrisville. Most programs keep debt below $25,000, which aligns well with starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range. Purdue offers particularly strong value with debt of just $13,250 and earnings of $43,426. Students should consider that agricultural careers often provide steady employment with opportunities for advancement into management or farm ownership.

Does graduation rate correlate with program quality in agricultural studies?

Graduation rates span from 31.90% at SUNY Morrisville to 87.90% at Clemson University. Higher-tier research universities like Purdue (83.10%) and UC Davis (85.10%) show strong completion rates alongside selective admissions. However, schools like North Dakota State achieve excellent outcomes with a 63.70% graduation rate and 95.68% acceptance rate. Agricultural programs often see students leave for immediate employment opportunities or family farm responsibilities, affecting traditional graduation metrics.

Where do agricultural production graduates find the best job markets?

The Midwest and Plains states offer the strongest agricultural job markets, reflected in higher earnings at schools like North Dakota State and Purdue. These regions house major agribusiness companies, grain elevators, and livestock operations requiring skilled graduates. Wyoming and Utah provide opportunities in ranching and specialty crops, while programs in states like Kentucky and Mississippi connect to tobacco, poultry, and cotton industries. Regional agricultural focus often determines both curriculum emphasis and career placement success.

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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.