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Cheapest Agriculture Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Berea College breaks every assumption about agricultural education costs. This private Kentucky institution charges just $4,483 in net costs while its competitors average over $8,000 annually. The school's work-study model and no-tuition policy create an extraordinary value proposition for agriculture students. Meanwhile, public universities dominate the affordability market, with California State campuses in Stanislaus and Fresno offering programs under $6,500. The earnings outlook varies dramatically across these programs, from $18,315 at Berea to $37,424 at Texas A&M Kingsville. Agriculture remains vital to rural economies nationwide, with the USDA reporting that food and agriculture sectors account for roughly 11 percent of total US employment. Students can expect to work in farm management, agricultural sales, crop consulting, or government agencies focused on food safety and environmental protection.
50
Programs
$4,483 – $15,270
Net Price Range
$33,307
Avg. Program Earnings
48.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Agriculture, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
3 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
4 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
6 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
7 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
8 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
9 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
10 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
11 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
12 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
13 $10,218 $1,410 5.5%
14 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
15 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
16 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
17 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
18 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
19 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
20 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
21 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
22 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
23 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
24 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
25 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
26 $12,386 $5,354 24.6% 68.0%
27 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
28 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
29 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
30 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
31 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
32 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
33 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
34 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
35 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
36 $14,040 $8,549 46.2% 29.9%
37 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
38 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
39 $14,118 $10,418 52.0% 74.6%
40 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
41 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
42 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
43 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
44 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
45 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
46 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
47 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
48 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
49 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
50 $15,270 $9,118 43.4% 72.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's agriculture program so affordable?

Berea operates on a work-study model where all students work on campus to offset educational costs. The private college charges $4,483 in net costs compared to $49,326 in published tuition. Students graduate with an agriculture degree while gaining practical work experience. The school accepts only 24.58% of applicants, making admission competitive despite the low cost.

How do California agriculture programs compare in cost and outcomes?

California State campuses offer some of the most affordable agriculture education nationwide. Stanislaus charges $5,671 net with a 58% graduation rate, while Fresno costs $6,480 with 54.8% completion. Both schools maintain high acceptance rates above 95%. The Central Valley location provides direct access to major agricultural employers and internship opportunities.

Is Texas A&M Kingsville worth the higher cost for agriculture students?

Texas A&M Kingsville graduates earn $37,424 annually, the highest among affordable programs listed. The $10,204 net cost produces strong returns with manageable debt averaging $22,750. Students benefit from the university's connections to Texas ranching and agricultural industries. The 45.6% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of the program.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings in agriculture programs?

The data shows mixed patterns between graduation rates and earnings outcomes. Berea College has a 62% graduation rate but the lowest earnings at $18,315. Eastern New Mexico graduates only 39.8% of students but lacks earnings data. Tennessee State graduates 33% of students who later earn $31,305 annually, suggesting program quality matters beyond completion rates.

Where should students focus geographically for affordable agriculture education?

The South and Southwest offer the most affordable options, with programs under $7,000 in New Mexico, Texas, and California. Kentucky provides unique value through Berea College's work-study model at $4,483. Regional agricultural economies influence both costs and career prospects. Students should consider local crop specialties, livestock operations, and agribusiness headquarters when choosing locations.

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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.