Aquaculture programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best aquaculture schools.
The school you choose for aquaculture can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Aquaculture Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.
To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Aquaculture Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the aquaculture degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Auburn University, our #1 school for aquaculture. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. About 82% of students finish within six years. Auburn University awarded about 18 aquaculture degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aquaculture degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $37,698. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete this degree.
See the full aquaculture program report for Auburn University
Students looking for a strong aquaculture program will find one at Clemson University, which ranked #2. Clemson University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Clemson. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Clemson University awarded about 36 aquaculture degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aquaculture degree from Clemson University earn around $30,825 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete this degree.
Read more about the aquaculture program at Clemson University
Kentucky State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best aquaculture schools. Set in the town of Frankfort, Kentucky State University is a mid-sized public institution. Roughly 35% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 13 aquaculture degrees were awarded at Kentucky State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the aquaculture program make about $28,497 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $29,774 to complete this degree.
See the full aquaculture program report for Kentucky State University
Carteret Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in aquaculture, ranking #4. Carteret Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Morehead City. About 24 aquaculture degrees were awarded at Carteret Community College in the most recent year. Aquaculture graduates of Carteret Community College earn a median of $48,953 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $5,566 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in aquaculture from Carteret Community College
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
