2026 Best Value Agricultural Production Schools in Iowa

1

Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA

For return on investment in agricultural production, no school beat Indian Hills Community College this year. Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ottumwa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Students borrow a median of $15,390 to complete the agricultural production program here. Soon after graduation, agricultural production degree recipients from Indian Hills Community College generally make around $49,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City, IA

North Iowa Area Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value agricultural production schools. Set in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. Agricultural Production graduates carry a median of $12,043 in student loans. Soon after graduation, agricultural production degree recipients from North Iowa Area Community College generally make around $44,466. That is a strong return on a $12,043 median debt.

3

Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kirkwood Community College earned it the #3 place for agricultural production. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Typical student debt for agricultural production graduates is $10,000. Soon after graduation, agricultural production degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $42,392. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Calmar, IA

Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a great value for students pursuing a degree in agricultural production, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete the agricultural production program here. Soon after graduation, agricultural production degree recipients from Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar generally make around $38,924. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA

Students looking for strong value in agricultural production will find it at Iowa Lakes Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Estherville, Iowa Lakes Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,392 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,872. Agricultural Production graduates carry a median of $20,876 in student loans. Early-career agricultural production graduates make about $46,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Ellsworth Community College
Iowa Falls, IA

Ellsworth Community College came in at #6 for value in agricultural production this year. Ellsworth Community College is a small public school located in the town of Iowa Falls. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for agricultural production graduates is $17,062. Early-career agricultural production graduates make about $40,503. That is a strong return on a $17,062 median debt.

7

Southeastern Community College West Burlington
West Burlington, IA

Southeastern Community College West Burlington landed the #7 spot for agricultural production value this year. Located in the town of West Burlington, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,420, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. Agricultural Production graduates carry a median of $16,126 in student loans. Agricultural Production graduates of Southeastern Community College West Burlington earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University placed #8 among the best values for agricultural production. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete the agricultural production program here. Soon after graduation, agricultural production degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $53,900. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.