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Best Value Agricultural Public Services Colleges

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

Agricultural public services programs show striking cost variation across the nation, with net prices ranging from Utah State University's $12,869 to Wilmington College's $22,872. The earnings gap proves equally telling, spanning from Ohio State's $21,052 to South Dakota State's $45,529 for recent graduates. California Polytechnic State University stands out with its 30% acceptance rate, far below the typical 70-90% range seen at most agricultural programs. These programs prepare students for careers with the USDA, state agriculture departments, and cooperative extension services, where demand continues growing as climate challenges reshape farming practices nationwide. South Dakota State delivers the strongest return on investment, combining relatively affordable education with the highest graduate earnings in the field. Public institutions dominate this space, offering in-state students significant savings over private alternatives. The data reveals clear regional patterns, with Western schools like Cal Poly commanding premium pricing while delivering strong job market outcomes.
37
Programs
$6,061 – $23,897
Net Price Range
$36,020
Avg. Program Earnings
65.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Agricultural Public Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,624 $44,384 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
2 $13,782 $35,594 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
3 $16,378 $41,565 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
4 $15,201 $38,289 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $18,219 $45,529 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
6 $16,928 $39,639 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
7 $17,525 $38,289 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
8 $18,109 $32,569 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
9 $20,924 $35,594 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
10 $17,218 $28,960 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
11 $20,841 $30,771 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
12 $18,292 $21,052 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
13 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
14 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
15 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
16 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
17 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
18 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
19 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
20 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
21 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
22 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
23 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
24 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
25 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
26 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
27 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
28 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
29 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
30 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
31 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
32 $20,015 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
33 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
34 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
35 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
36 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
37 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains South Dakota State's $45,529 graduate earnings despite its $18,219 net cost?

South Dakota State benefits from its location in a major agricultural region where extension services and government agricultural roles command higher salaries. The university's 86% acceptance rate allows it to enroll students broadly while maintaining strong industry connections. Graduates often secure positions with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service or state departments of agriculture, where starting salaries reflect the critical nature of agricultural policy work.

How does California Polytechnic State University justify its selective 30% acceptance rate?

Cal Poly's agricultural public services program maintains highly competitive admissions due to its hands-on learning approach and proximity to California's $50 billion agricultural industry. With graduates earning $44,384 annually and an 85% graduation rate, the program attracts far more applicants than available spots. The university's location in San Luis Obispo places students near major agricultural operations and government agencies that regularly recruit from the program.

Is the $22,872 cost at Wilmington College worth it compared to public options?

Wilmington College's private status results in significantly higher costs than public alternatives like Utah State at $12,869. With a 55% graduation rate and 88% acceptance rate, the school offers smaller class sizes but doesn't provide earnings data to justify the premium. Most students would benefit more from public programs like University of Idaho, which costs $13,782 while delivering $35,594 in graduate earnings.

Does Ohio State's low $21,052 earning figure reflect program quality issues?

Ohio State's lower earnings likely reflect the program's broad scope rather than quality problems, given the university's strong 88% graduation rate and competitive 53% acceptance rate. Agricultural public service roles often start at lower salaries but offer excellent benefits and advancement potential through government employment. The program may also place graduates in nonprofit organizations or educational roles that prioritize mission over maximum compensation.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

Most graduates enter federal agencies like the USDA, EPA, or Natural Resources Conservation Service, where they work on farm policy, environmental compliance, and agricultural education. State departments of agriculture and cooperative extension services also hire significant numbers, particularly in agricultural states like those represented in this ranking. Some graduates pursue roles with agricultural nonprofits or educational institutions, contributing to the wide earnings range from $21,052 to $45,529 across different career paths.

More Agricultural Public Services Rankings

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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.