2026 Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Schools
Looking for the best-value Agricultural Economics Business programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 399 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Business Degree Central evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Agricultural Economics Business Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Ridgewater College to be the best-value Agricultural Economics Business school in the United States. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $10,697. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
Out of the 399 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #2 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Students borrow a median of $10,748 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Set against $10,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #3 makes Central Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Central Community College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central Community College
Out of the 399 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bismarck State College landed the #4 spot. Based in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,331. Bismarck State College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bismarck State College profile
Out of the 399 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northeast Community College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $10,575 in student loans. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,575 median debt. More on Northeast Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Curtis, NE, Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,926. Students borrow a median of $12,127 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,127 median debt. Get the full Nebraska College Of Technical Agriculture report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $12,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Kirkwood Community College placed #9 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Kirkwood Community College
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,974, with out-of-state students paying around $6,973. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $11,956. North Dakota State College Of Science alumni report median earnings of $50,513 a decade after entry. Set against $11,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Dakota State College Of Science
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Mitchell Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,524. Students borrow a median of $12,730 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mitchell Technical Institute profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Chippewa Valley Technical College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,780, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $14,348. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar alumni report median earnings of $41,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $13,319. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Des Moines Area Community College placed #16 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ivy Tech Community College
University Of Northwestern Ohio offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Lima, OH, University Of Northwestern Ohio is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,366. Students borrow a median of $23,805 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,968 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,805 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Northwestern Ohio
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Northwest Mississippi Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,740. Graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,396 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Mississippi Community College
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $22,557 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $22,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $8,630. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $8,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
University Of Minnesota Crookston placed #24 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public school based in Crookston, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,288. Students borrow a median of $26,661 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. Median earnings reach $58,056 ten years out. Set against $26,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Crookston
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $21,445. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $21,445 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Agricultural Economics Business Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Oklahoma Panhandle State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Located in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,092, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,933. Set against $24,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. University Of Wisconsin Platteville Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $15,276 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,760. Set against $15,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Dickinson State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Set in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $27,266. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 37%. More on Dickinson State University
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,560, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Students borrow a median of $19,928 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,213. That is a strong return on a $19,928 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $19,125 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. Set against $22,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College placed #32 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public school based in Tifton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, with out-of-state students paying around $10,588. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,996. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Angelo State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $21,237 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. Set against $21,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Angelo State University
California State University Fresno placed #32 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $13,139. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Set against $13,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on California State University Fresno
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete their Agricultural Economics Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Alcorn State University placed #37 among the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools in the United States. Located in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. Graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about Alcorn State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $14,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $22,239. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
Iowa State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $16,972 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Kansas State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. The median Agricultural Economics Business program debt is $19,641. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,641 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Kansas State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Sam Houston State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,643 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $20,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $15,056 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Fort Hays State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Fort Hays State University Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
California State University Chico came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $11,250. Median earnings reach $64,172 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Chico
Cornell University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Agricultural Economics Business student debt is $13,258. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $13,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
Lake Land College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Agricultural Economics Business schools. Located in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Lake Land College Agricultural Economics Business students take on a median of $7,769 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,877 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Land College
Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Agricultural Economics Business Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 399 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).