2026 Best Value Dairy Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI

Our analysis ranked Northcentral Technical College the best value for a degree in dairy science in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Wausau, Northcentral Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete the dairy science program here. Soon after graduation, dairy science degree recipients from Northcentral Technical College generally make around $41,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

University Of Wisconsin River Falls
River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value dairy science schools. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Students borrow a median of $23,183 to complete the dairy science program here. Soon after graduation, dairy science degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin River Falls generally make around $37,852. Set against $23,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.

3

University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Platteville, WI

University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dairy science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Dairy Science graduates carry a median of $20,875 in student loans. Early-career dairy science graduates make about $44,956. That is a strong return on a $20,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #4 place for dairy science. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the dairy science program here. Soon after graduation, dairy science degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $44,354. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

5

Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Wooster, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute earned it the #5 place for dairy science. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a small public school located in the town of Wooster. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,584, with out-of-state students paying around $36,362. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the dairy science program here. Early-career dairy science graduates make about $39,743. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #6 for value in dairy science this year. 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. Dairy Science graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career dairy science graduates make about $41,292. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.