2026 Best Value Agricultural Engineering Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus tops our 2026 list of the best value agricultural engineering schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Agricultural Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Early-career agricultural engineering graduates make about $72,168. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

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. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $21,350 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

A rank of #3 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values for agricultural engineering. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. 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. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Agricultural Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,872 in student loans. Agricultural Engineering graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $62,981 early in their careers. Set against $24,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

5

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Agricultural Engineering graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Early-career agricultural engineering graduates make about $65,396. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.