by our College Data Analytics Team
[Agriculture](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/general-agriculture/agriculture/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value agriculture schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in agriculture, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in agriculture, no school beat Howard College this year. Howard College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Big Spring. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Agriculture graduates carry a median of $14,242 in student loans. Soon after graduation, agriculture degree recipients from Howard College generally make around $41,039. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt.
Hill College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value agriculture schools. Set in the town of Hillsboro, Hill College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,862 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,302 to complete the agriculture program here. Early-career agriculture graduates make about $39,212. That is a strong return on a $12,302 median debt.
Blinn College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value agriculture schools. Set in the town of Brenham, Blinn College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,890, compared with $11,370 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete the agriculture program here. Early-career agriculture graduates make about $43,408. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Commerce earned it the #4 place for agriculture. Located in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Typical student debt for agriculture graduates is $20,500. Early-career agriculture graduates make about $46,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Kingsville earned it the #5 place for agriculture. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kingsville. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete the agriculture program here. Early-career agriculture graduates make about $45,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #6 for value in agriculture this year. Set in the town of Nacogdoches, Stephen F Austin State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for agriculture graduates is $24,759. Soon after graduation, agriculture degree recipients from Stephen F Austin State University generally make around $42,197. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants.
Prairie View A And M University came in at #7 for value in agriculture this year. Set in the rural area of Prairie View, Prairie View A And M University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. Typical student debt for agriculture graduates is $28,500. Soon after graduation, agriculture degree recipients from Prairie View A And M University generally make around $38,063. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Prairie View A And M University admits about 79% of applicants.
Angelo State University landed the #8 spot for agriculture value this year. Located in the city of San Angelo, Angelo State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for agriculture graduates is $21,237. Agriculture graduates of Angelo State University earn a median of $46,134 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,237 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Texas State University San Marcos placed #9 among the best values for agriculture. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Agriculture graduates carry a median of $20,699 in student loans. Agriculture graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $44,994 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,699 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.
West Texas A And M University came in at #10 for value in agriculture this year. Located in the town of Canyon, West Texas A And M University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for agriculture graduates is $13,460. Agriculture graduates of West Texas A And M University earn a median of $45,300 early in their careers. Set against $13,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Tarleton State University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value agriculture schools. Set in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Agriculture graduates carry a median of $23,222 in student loans. Agriculture graduates of Tarleton State University earn a median of $50,532 early in their careers. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Texas A And M University College Station earned the #12 position for value in agriculture this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $18,585 to complete the agriculture program here. Soon after graduation, agriculture degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $59,625. Set against $18,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.
This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.