2026 Best Value Agricultural Engineering Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Leading the list is Purdue University Main Campus, our #1 best value for agricultural engineering in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the agricultural engineering program here. Agricultural Engineering graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $72,168 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned it the #2 place for agricultural engineering. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,350 to complete the agricultural engineering program here. Agricultural Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $62,032 early in their careers. Set against $21,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for agricultural engineering graduates is $23,500. Early-career agricultural engineering graduates make about $67,746. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value agricultural engineering schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical student debt for agricultural engineering graduates is $24,872. Agricultural Engineering graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $62,981 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

5

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Students looking for strong value in agricultural engineering will find it at Michigan State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for agricultural engineering graduates is $28,000. Early-career agricultural engineering graduates make about $65,396. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.