by our College Data Analytics Team
[Animal Science](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/animal-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong animal science education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for animal science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the animal science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Harcum College, our #1 best value for animal science in Pennsylvania. Harcum College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bryn Mawr. In-state tuition and fees average $32,000. Typical student debt for animal science graduates is $18,375. 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.
Students looking for strong value in animal science will find it at Delaware Valley College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Doylestown, Delaware Valley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $44,850. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Animal Science graduates of Delaware Valley College earn a median of $38,378 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animal science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.