by our College Data Analytics Team
[Animal Science](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/animal-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 162 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for animal science students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the animal science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked College Of Western Idaho the best value for a degree in animal science in the United States. College Of Western Idaho is a very large public school located in the rural area of Nampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,497 to complete the animal science program here. Animal Science graduates of College Of Western Idaho earn a median of $40,963 early in their careers.
Casper College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value animal science schools. Located in the city of Casper, Casper College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,410, with out-of-state students paying around $10,710. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $12,598 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animal science degree recipients from Casper College generally make around $49,729. That is a strong return on a $12,598 median debt.
Northeastern Junior College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animal science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Sterling, Northeastern Junior College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,730, with out-of-state students paying around $8,267. Students borrow a median of $13,156 to complete the animal science program here. Animal Science graduates of Northeastern Junior College earn a median of $38,543 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,156 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in animal science will find it at Santa Fe College, which ranked #4. Santa Fe College is a large public school located in the suburb of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,563, with out-of-state students paying around $9,189. Typical student debt for animal science graduates is $19,890. Animal Science graduates of Santa Fe College earn a median of $24,833 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,890 median debt.
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value animal science schools. Located in the town of Wooster, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,584, with out-of-state students paying around $36,362. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animal science degree recipients from Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute generally make around $39,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill earned the #6 position for value in animal science this year. Located in the town of Cobleskill, Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Animal Science graduates of Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill earn a median of $37,068 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
University Of Connecticut came in at #7 for value in animal science this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the animal science program here. Early-career animal science graduates make about $37,712. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Harcum College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value animal science schools. Harcum College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bryn Mawr. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,000. Students borrow a median of $18,375 to complete the animal science program here. Soon after graduation, animal science degree recipients from Harcum College generally make around $27,932. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Animal Science rankings across degree levels:
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 162 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.