[Food Processing](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-processing/) 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 28 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value food processing schools.
Finding the Best Value Food Processing School for You
The right food processing school can pay off for years to come. That is why we built our Best Value Food Processing Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Food Processing Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
Ivy Tech Community College earned the #1 spot for value among food processing schools in the United States. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Food Processing graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food processing degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $40,734. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Garden City Community College one of the best values for food processing. Set in the town of Garden City, Garden City Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. Food Processing graduates carry a median of $11,084 in student loans. Food Processing graduates of Garden City Community College earn a median of $35,476 early in their careers. Set against $11,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food processing, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Wooster, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,584, with out-of-state students paying around $36,362. Typical student debt for food processing graduates is $12,286. Food Processing graduates of Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute earn a median of $34,898 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,286 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Kansas State University one of the best values for food processing. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the food processing program here. Soon after graduation, food processing degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $76,052. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values for food processing. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food processing graduates is $20,031. Food Processing graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $64,891 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Morningside College came in at #6 for value in food processing this year. Set in the city of Sioux City, Morningside College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Food Processing graduates carry a median of $26,969 in student loans. Food Processing graduates of Morningside College earn a median of $48,505 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,969 median debt. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 28 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
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).
[Food Processing](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-processing/) 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.
