by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Agriculture](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/general-agriculture/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general agriculture students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general agriculture degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Kaskaskia College, our #1 best value for general agriculture in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the rural area of Centralia, Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800, compared with $12,570 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general agriculture graduates is $7,875. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $45,658. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ivy Tech Community College earned it the #2 place for general agriculture. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $7,125 to complete the general agriculture program here. Soon after graduation, general agriculture degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $39,261. Set against $7,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values for general agriculture. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. General Agriculture graduates carry a median of $18,969 in student loans. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $48,509. That is a strong return on a $18,969 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Illinois University Carbondale one of the best values for general agriculture. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. General Agriculture graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general agriculture degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $39,700. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for general agriculture. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete the general agriculture program here. Soon after graduation, general agriculture degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $63,111. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
Illinois State University earned the #6 position for value in general agriculture this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general agriculture graduates is $18,750. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $47,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.