by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Agriculture](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/general-agriculture/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general agriculture education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value general agriculture schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general agriculture, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Kaskaskia College the best value for a degree in general agriculture in Illinois. Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Centralia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, compared with $12,570 for out-of-state students. General Agriculture graduates carry a median of $7,875 in student loans. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $45,658. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values for general agriculture. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,969 to complete the general agriculture program here. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $48,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general agriculture schools. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. General Agriculture graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Early-career general agriculture graduates make about $39,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #4 place for general agriculture. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general agriculture graduates is $18,750. General Agriculture graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $47,295 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.