by our College Data Analytics Team
[Animal Science](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/animal-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value animal science schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in animal science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Harcum College tops our 2027 list of the best value animal science schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the suburb of Bryn Mawr, Harcum College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $32,000 in tuition and fees. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Animal Science graduates of Harcum College earn a median of $27,932 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Delaware Valley College one of the best values for animal science. Located in the suburb of Doylestown, Delaware Valley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,850 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the animal science program here. Animal Science graduates of Delaware Valley College earn a median of $38,378 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value animal science schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the animal science program here. Soon after graduation, animal science degree recipients from Pennsylvania State University Main Campus generally make around $33,182. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.