Searching for the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Agriculture Science degree options will help sons and daughters of the soil plant fruitful careers harvesting crops. Online colleges increasingly offer agriculture majors to teach undergrads the cultivation techniques that reap high yields. Online farming courses are accessible 24/7 right on the Internet to accommodate work schedules and avoid long commutes from rural communities. High-value agriculture science degree programs online train agronomists for entering this $1.053 trillion U.S. industry. The American Farm Bureau reports that there are 2.04 million agriculture businesses nationwide. Since 1950, our country’s corn production has skyrocketed by 360 percent. Other top agricultural crops are cotton, rice, soybeans, produce, wheat, and tree nuts. In 2017, the Department of Agriculture found 21.6 million employees work directly in farming. Affordable online agriculture science degree programs plant the educational seeds to sprout diverse career paths.
Our Methodology
Thus, Affordable Schools decided to round up the best economical agriculture science degree programs online like cattle to breed productive, profitable careers in farming. We started by accessing the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool. We dug up results for only four-year agriculture bachelor’s majors available via distance education. Our initial pool had 25 public and private, nonprofit universities. We narrowed the list down to 20 based on the latest average tuition data for 2018-19. Our analysts recorded the full-time undergraduate cost of attendance for each agricultural college. Though out-of-state prices are mentioned, we focused on expenses for state residents. We awarded each cheap agriculture science degree one to five points by current in-state tuition and fees.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Next, the AS Staff determined which affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs pay off most by checking graduation rates. The graduation rate ranges from 0 to 100 percent to show the amount of agriculture majors finishing their studies on time. Note that the “normal” bachelor’s completion time is four to six years full-time. Higher graduation rates suggest a better quality of online learning and a bigger likelihood of student retention. In other words, more students stay because they have their education, extracurricular, financial, and social needs met. We prioritized online schools where the odds of culminating your online farming degree were 50-50 or better. Our team gave another one to three points for graduation rates, as reported from NCES, to our 20 top-value agriculture science degree options.
Points:
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Lastly, Affordable Schools sought to ensure the cost-effective agriculture science degree programs online had ample personalized support. We did so by looking at each college’s current student-faculty ratio from NCES. This proportion tells us about how many undergraduates there are per agriculture professor. Lower figures of 10:1 and under are best for close teacher interaction. Small online agriculture science cohorts will have more access to experienced faculty mentors. They’ll be readily available to share farming wisdom through emails, video chats, discussion boards, and phone calls. We again presented one to three points to each institution based on student-faculty ratio. Our team added up the totals and arranged the best-value agriculture science degree majors from least to most points.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which Jobs are Available with a Low-Cost Agriculture Science Degree?
- How Much Money Do Affordable Agriculture Science Degree Graduates Earn?
- Is the Market Currently Hiring After Top-Value Agriculture Science Programs?
SUMMARY RANKING OF TOP 10 BEST AFFORDABLE ONLINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS:
- University of Florida
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Fort Hays State University
- University of Idaho
- Murray State University
- Iowa State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Tennessee Martin
- Oregon State University
Ranking the 20 Best Affordable Colleges for Agriculture Science Degree Programs Online
20. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Certified by the Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) for its 14-acre Student Farm, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a flagship public, land-grant institution founded in 1863 that’s endowed for $323.6 million to educate 30,593 Minutemen with 80 percent completion. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst claimed 20th place among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree options online with a $15,887 in-state rate. On Blackboard Learn, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture admits B.S. in Sustainable Food and Farming cohorts with minimum 2.75 GPAs until October 1st or April 15th. Directed by Dr. Wesley Autio, the 120-credit, NEASC-accredited curriculum offers more than 40 online courses like Practical Beekeeping and Introduction to Mushroom Culture. For-credit internship placements, such as Backyard Growers or Natural Roots, are available for four to 12 months. UMass Amherst also has New England’s only 15-credit Sustainable Food and Farming Certificate online.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming
In-State Tuition: $15,887
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,570
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 80 percent
19. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Given the 2011 OLC Outstanding Achievement Award in Online Education, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is a respected public, four-year distance institution launched by the Big Ten powerhouse worth $4.26 billion 20 years ago to serve 13,411 Nittany Lions at a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus climbed to 19th place among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs online with $13,988 yearly tuition. On campas, the College of Agricultural Sciences grants a B.S. in Agribusiness Management to teach business principles for farming industries. Headed by Dr. Daniel Azzara, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited path has June 30th, October 31st, and March 15th admission deadlines. Freshmen or transfers with GPAs above 2.5 enter prescribed online courses like Food Product Marketing and Macroeconomic Analysis. Online students can still join the Collegiate Farm Bureau and Sustainability Club. Also check out the 12-credit Agricultural Biosecurity & Food Defense Certificate.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
In-State Tuition: $13,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
18. Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Partnered with Sternberg Family’s 50-acre Starhill Forest Arboretum, Illinois College is a private, coed Presbyterian liberal arts school and Tree Campus USA Award recipient that’s endowed for $137.8 million to teach 983 undergrad Blues with 70 percent six-year graduation success. Illinois College stands 18th with an inexpensive distance education agriculture science degree that costs everyone $33,090 per year. Since May 2019, the Business Administration Department has logged into Connect2 for associate transfers to complete the Agribusiness Management B.A. in 18 months. Coordinated by Dr. Michael Woods, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited online degree plan accepts up to 88 previous credits to further accelerate eight-week courses like Natural Resources and Agricultural Finance. Majors with minimum 2.5 GPAs must complete two-credit internships, such as Hummert International, Archer Daniels Midland, or Caterpillar. Students also gain International Food & Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) membership.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management
In-State Tuition: $33,090
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,090
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 70 percent
17. University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, MN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Home to the NWROC Agricultural Research Center and Farm Shop, the University of Minnesota Crookston is a public, coed bachelor’s institution opened in 1966 that’s endowed for $17.7 million to empower 1,821 Golden Eagles from 40 states with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The University of Minnesota Crookston is Affordable Schools’ 17th best online accredited college for agriculture science degree studies billing $11,822 annually. On Canvas, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Department provides a B.S. in Agricultural Business for personalized, applied learning with 93 percent job placement. Chaired by Dr. John Loegering, the 2004 Wildlife Society Chapter Advisor of the Year, this 120-credit, HLC-accredited low-cost online sequence has optional double majors from accounting to marketing. After the online orientation, individuals take 3000-level major courses like Livestock Management and Professional Agriselling. Learners could even be nominated for the $750 Norman Pankratz Memorial Conservation Award until March 1st.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
In-State Tuition: $11,822
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,822
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
16. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Esteemed for its 9,000-square-foot Tractor Lab at the Plant Science Center, Texas A&M University-Commerce is a public, coed research institution founded in 1888 that’s endowed for $22 million to enroll 3,600 of its 7,800 applicants for six-year completion of 40 percent. Texas A&M University-Commerce takes the 16th spot among best-value colleges for agriculture science degree options online with $8,748 in-state tuition. The College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources makes its affordable Agribusiness B.A./B.S. available online on D2L Brightspace or face-to-face in Commerce and Frisco. Managed by Dr. Randy Harp, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited online curriculum entails eight-week courses like Introduction to Horticulture and Beef Cattle Ranching. Prerequisites are fulfilled for the GMAT-optional Master of Business Administration. Alumni are excelling at Greenleaf Nursery, JB Hunt, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and more. Transfers could choose the competency-based Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences too.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
In-State Tuition: $8,748
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,198
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
15. Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, OR
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Sponsoring a free Outdoor Adventure Program at Hoke Union since August 1973, Eastern Oregon University is a rural public, state-funded NAIA member that’s endowed for $11 million to instruct 3,741 Mountaineers from 25 nations at a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Eastern Oregon University scored 15th place among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs online with a $8,679 in-state cost. On Canvas, the College of Business & Education awards a cheap B.S. in Business Administration for three online specializations, including Global Food Systems and Agribusiness. Outlined by Dr. Laura Gow-Hogge, the 180-unit, IACBE-accredited online track requires grades of C- or better during digital 10-week quarter courses like Organizational Behavior and Global Agricultural Trade. Transfer pathways exist for 17 Oregon schools, including Marylhurst University and Linn-Benton Community College. Students can also gain hands-on experience at EOU’s 507-acre Glen & Jean McKenzie Farm near Summerville.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Global Food Systems and Agribusiness
In-State Tuition: $8,679
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,739
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent
14. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Chosen for the 2018 Open SUNY Effective Practice First Place Award, the College of Technology at Canton is a public, coed branch initially utilized as St. Lawrence University’s School of Agriculture that’s now endowed for $12.8 million to inform 3,216 Kangaroos. SUNY College of Technology at Canton landed 14th among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree studies online with $8,389 New York tuition. On Blackboard and UCanWeb, the School of Business & Liberal Arts delivers an Agribusiness Management B.B.A. for 100 percent job placement with a median of $67,600 pay. Administered by Dr. Hiren Bhavsar, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited sequence fills eight semesters with full-time online courses like Environmental Law and Agricultural Price Analysis. During the Spring, seniors with GPAs above 3.0 complete a 15-week capstone internship assignment, such as Blue Hill Farm or SPACE on Ryder Farm. Students finish in two years when transferring from Canton’s 60-credit Business Administration A.S.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Agribusiness Management
In-State Tuition: $8,389
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,379
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
13. Utah State University
Logan, UT
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Bestowed the 2018 Best of State Award for its Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University is a public, land-grant RU/H institution that budgets $741 million to employ 2,464 staff serving 24,880 Aggies from 78 countries with a 50 percent graduation rate. Utah State University is the AS Staff’s 13th most affordable university for agriculture science degree programs online with an $8,138 in-state price. On Canvas since Spring 2011, the College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences has granted an inexpensive Agribusiness B.S. for four online emphases: Agricultural Finance, Agricultural Marketing, Farm and Ranch Management, or International Agribusiness. Overseen by Dr. Ken White, the 120-credit, NWCCU-accredited curriculum demands 2.5 or higher GPAs throughout Web courses like Soil Science and Technical Communication. Hybrid students could attain the Dual Agribusiness and Agricultural Systems Technology B.S. in Logan. Most Aggies also join the National FFA Chapter and the Western Agricultural Economics Association.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
In-State Tuition: $8,138
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,316
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
12. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Highly regarded for its San Luis Valley Agricultural Research Center at 7,668 feet above sea level, Colorado State University is a public, coed APLU member endowed for $371.2 million that’s teaching 28,691 on-campus and 5,186 online Rams with 71 percent graduation. Colorado State University is our list’s 12th best online affordable accredited university for agriculture science degree options costing $11,707 yearly in-state. On Canvas, the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics offers a low-cost B.S. in Agricultural Business with eight possible minors, including Environmental Sustainability and Sociology. High school and GED graduates with GPAs above 2.0 can apply until August 1st, January 1st, or May 1st. Organized by Dr. Jesse Brodie Burkhardt, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited program matches students to success coaches during online courses like Statistical Methods and Watershed Science. Some Rams continue for the 30-credit Master of Agriculture in Integrated Resource Management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
In-State Tuition: $11,707
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,608
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent
11. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, OH
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Gifting one $3,000 Business Professionals of America Scholarship each Spring, the University of Northwestern Ohio is an entrepreneurial private, open-access institution established in 1920 that welcomes 4,540 Racers from 61 countries with a 24:1 student-faculty ratio. The University of Northwestern Ohio earned 11th place among online affordable colleges for agriculture science degree majors with a $11,350 annual total. On Moodle, the College of Occupational Professions has Quality Matters certification to award a top-value B.S. in Agribusiness Management for 96 percent job placement. Overseen by Dr. Cheryl Mueller, the 180-credit, HLC-accredited plan accelerates through six-week virtual courses like Sustainable Agronomy and Consumer Behavior. Transfers are seamless from the A.A.S. in Agricultural Equipment Technology. Learners with at least 22+ credits and 3.0 GPAs qualify for Kappa Beta Delta Honor Society. Optional internships, such as Growmark and Farm Credit Mid-America, also provide resume experience.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
In-State Tuition: $11,350
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,350
Student-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
10. Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Celebrating the fifth year of its Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems, Oregon State University is a public, sun-grant RU/VH institution that generates a $2.06 billion impact by educating 30,896 Beavers from 114 countries with a 67 percent graduation rate. Oregon State University starts the top 10 online affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs with an $11,166 in-state price tag. The College of Agricultural Sciences logs into Canvas to start a low-cost B.S. in Agricultural Sciences and a B.S. in Rangeland Science four times yearly. Chaired by Dr. Jonathan Velez, a 2012 Student Learning Success Award recipient, the latter 180-unit, NWCCU-accredited economical online major splits into four specializations: Habitat Management, Pastoral Systems, Livestock Ranching, and Sustainable Ecosystem Stewardship. Both share fast-paced, 11-week core courses like Organic Farming and Agricultural Law. Students are also often eligible for Carson College’s Pre-Veterinary Medicine sequence if desired.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Science
In-State Tuition: $11,166
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,141
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
9. University of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Housing 500-1,000 head of stocker calves at its 240-acre Teaching Farm Complex, the University of Tennessee Martin is a rural public, civic-engaged OVC member founded in 1927 that’s endowed for $27.2 million to educate 7,000 Skyhawks from 45 states. The University of Tennessee Martin finished ninth among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree studies online with a $9,512 in-state rate. On Canvas, the College of Agriculture & Applied Science grants a cheap B.S. in Agriculture for three online concentrations: Agricultural Business, Farm and Ranch Management, or Veterinary Technology and Management. Led by Dr. Todd Winters, the 2004 Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers of the Century Award winner, this 120-credit, SACS-accredited online degree program offers the $1,200 Billy & Carol Vestal FFA Scholarship. Students complete cheap 300-level major courses like Natural Resource Policy and Farm Animal Health. Tennesseans might also pursue the 18-credit Land Survey and Geomatics Certificate for licensure.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
In-State Tuition: $9,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,552
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Hosting the 2019 Range Beef Cow Symposium this November, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a flagship public, land-grant Big Ten URA member that budgets $990 million to employ 1,397 faculty training 20,830 undergrad Cornhuskers for 69 percent completion. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is our website’s eighth most affordable college for agriculture science degree options online with a $9,242 in-state cost. On Canvas, the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Sciences presents an inexpensive Applied Science B.S.A.S. for four online emphases: Ecology, Animal and Plant Science, Agricultural Science, or Genetics and Biotechnology Processing. Organized by Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited online sequence only admits transfers with more than 32 previous credits and minimum 2.0 GPAs. Students apply eight- or 16-week online courses like Changing Earth Systems and Insect Science via field projects. There’s even a 3+1 Dual Program with China’s Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University available.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science
In-State Tuition: $9,242
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,038
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
7. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Funding the 980-acre New Deal Farm and Swine Unit on FM 1729 since 1978, Texas Tech University is the Lone Star State’s seventh-largest public, land-grant URA member that’s endowed for $1.3 billion to instruct 38,209 Red Raiders at a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Texas Tech University snagged seventh place among our affordable online agriculture science degree programs with an economical $9,080 in-state price. The College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources has priority admission dates of November 1st, March 1st, and May 1st to begin the low-cost B.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences. Managed by Dr. William Brown, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum is available online on Blackboard Learn 9.1 or at the Hill County and Fredericksburg campuses. eLearning students choose from four concentrations: Crop Science, Horticulture, Soil and Water, or Viticulture and Enology. Majors might also add the Agricultural Communications Leadership Certificate, pledge Alpha Gamma Rho, and join Raider’s Uncorked.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences
In-State Tuition: $9,080
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,040
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
6. Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Selected for Biofuels Digest’s 2010 Institutional Research Facility of the Year, Iowa State University is a flagship public, space-grant AAU member north of Des Moines that’s endowed for $1.06 billion to educate 34,992 Cyclones from 50 states with 75 percent graduation. Iowa State University is Affordable Schools’ sixth best online accredited university for agriculture science degree majors who pay only $8,988 in-state. Switched to Canvas in January 2018, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences offers a unique hybrid Agricultural Studies B.S. for Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates. Advised by Dr. Gaylan Scofield, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence follows a 2-1-1 format with one online then one campus year. Juniors take engaging 300-level online courses like Biorenewable Systems and Crop Development. Seniors can then manage the AG450 Farm, travel abroad to Costa Rica, join Farm Operations Club, and conduct Neely-Kinyon Memorial Research Center projects.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,392
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 75 percent
5. Murray State University
Murray, KY
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Donated the 44-acre Mabel & J. Stanley Pullen Farm in 1995, Murray State University is a close-knit public, coed OVC member near Kentucky Lake that’s endowed for $83.2 million to educate 9,466 Racers from 46 states and 55 nations at a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Murray State University broke the top five with an affordable distance education agriculture science degree that charges $9,084 annually in-state. On Canvas, the Center for Adult & Regional Education delivers the Hutson School of Agriculture’s cheap B.S. in Agricultural Science for two online concentrations: Agribusiness or Agriscience Technology. Managed by Dr. Alyx Shultz, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited online degree options share core courses like Plant Science and Computer Applications for Agriculture. Seniors can complete the AGR 488 Co-op at field partners, such as Dunham Woods Farm or Monsanto. Majors might also join the Collegiate FFA Chapter, add the Economic Development Certificate online, and attend West Kentucky Exposition Center rodeos.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science
In-State Tuition: $9,084
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,540
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
4. University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Affiliated with the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, the University of Idaho is a public, land-grant Big Sky Conference member founded in 1889 that’s endowed for $281 million to train 9,330 undergrad Vandals across 142 majors with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The University of Idaho came in fourth among affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs online with cheap in-state tuition of $7,894. On Blackboard, the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences provides a top-value 2+2 B.S. in Agricultural Science, Communication and Leadership for College of Southern Idaho graduates. Directed by Dr. Michael Parrella, the 2011 ESA Horticultural Entomology Distinguished Achievement Award recipient, this 62-credit, NWCCU-accredited online degree completion track takes only two years after the Associate of Arts. Expect live online upper-division classes like Agricultural Markets and General Soil Chemistry. Alums have 92 percent job placement at McCain Foods, Rabo AgriFinance, Conida Seed, and more.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science, Communication and Leadership
In-State Tuition: $7,864
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,500
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
3. Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Serving the “Great American Desert” with its 3,825-acre University Farm since 1908, Fort Hays State University is Kansas’ third-largest public, coed MIAA member that budgets $140 million to empower 4,511 campus and 4,007 online Tigers from nearly 30 countries. Fort Hays State University won bronze for the third best affordable agriculture science degree online with low $5,130 in-state pricing. The Department of Agriculture grants a high-value B.S. in Agricultural Business entirely online on Blackboard or at Albertson Hall for a six-year graduation of 44 percent. Chaired by Dr. Clyde Cranwell, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum leads to an average starting salary of $44,000 after upper-division major online courses like Farm Product Marketing and Agronomic Crop Science. Undergrads are encouraged to complete 16-week internships, such as Precision Agriculture and Simpson Farm Enterprises. The Virtual College also provides a Bachelor of General Studies in Sustainability or Rural Studies online.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
In-State Tuition: $5,130
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,210
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
2. North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, NC
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Known for the Industrial Hemp Program at its 492-acre University Farm on McConnell Road, North Carolina A&T State University is a public, land-grant HBCU that’s endowed for $57 million to educate 10,629 undergrad Aggies in 54 majors with a 53 percent graduation rate. North Carolina A&T State University is Affordable Schools’ second best online accredited university for agriculture science degree offerings with a $6,612 in-state price. On Blackboard Learn 9.1, the College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences provides a cheap 2+2 B.S. in Agricultural Education for two online specializations: Secondary Education or Professional Service. Administered by Dr. Chastity English, the 124-credit, SACS-accredited online degree path is reserved for North Carolina Community College System graduates. Associate transfers with 2.0 or higher GPAs enter courses like Agricultural Literacy and Environmental Systems. Clinical practice placements, such as Eastern Guilford High or Meadowlark Middle, are required for Grades 7-12 licensure.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
In-State Tuition: $6,612
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,822
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Home to the 2019 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award winner, the University of Florida is a public, land-grant RU/VH institution that budgets $6.1 billion to support 52,492 campus and 3,587 online Gators at an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The University of Florida takes the top spot ahead of all online affordable colleges for agriculture science degree programs with a cheap $3,876 in-state tuition. On Canvas, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS) with 10 online concentrations, including Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Led by Dr. Elaine Turner, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited plan only requires two bootcamp-style Chemistry Lab courses in Gainesville. Otherwise eLearning students complete 16-week digital sessions on topics from Water Science to Agricultural Ecology. After the sixth semester, seniors complete full-time summer work experiences, such as White Stone Farms or the National Turkey Federation. Also check out the 15-credit Horticulture Management and Sustainable Agroecosystems Certificates.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies – Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources Concentration
In-State Tuition: $3,876
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,580
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 90 percent
Which Jobs are Available with a Low-Cost Agriculture Science Degree?
Attending an affordable accredited university for agriculture science degree programs online helps bachelor’s majors grow meaningful careers making the most of Mother Earth’s resources. For example, soil scientists diligently inspect and improve the composition of dirt to maximize the viability of crop production. Farmers and ranchers own vast acres of property to raise livestock or harvest produce for retail sales. Greenhouse managers oversee the planting and fertilization of flowers or trees in landscaping nurseries. Aquaculture farmers uniquely have freshwater or saltwater reserves to raise various fish species. Agricultural managers set farm policies and supervise the day-to-day operations on the owner’s behalf. Animal breeders study the genetics of livestock and poultry to produce superior offspring. Other jobs for cheap agriculture science degree graduates include horticulturist, conservation planner, beekeeper, forest ranger, landscaper, vineyard manager, wetlands biologist, water quality specialist, food technologist, pest management professional, racehorse trainer, and high school agriculture teacher.
How Much Money Do Affordable Agriculture Science Degree Graduates Earn?
Finding economical agriculture science degree offerings online is essential for good ROI because farming and ranching are vocational callings that rarely get people rich. According to the Department of Labor, farming and fishing occupations have one of the lowest annual averages of $38,640. Agricultural workers, including planters and breeders, report median pay of $24,620. Forest and conservation workers have a mean income of $27,460. Agricultural and food science technicians make more at $40,860 on average. Agricultural inspectors have a mean wage of $45,970 each year. Soil and plant scientists reap median compensation of $69,170. Farmers and ranchers have an income range of $35,440 to $136,940. Animal scientists have an average $58,380 salary. Agricultural engineers report a mean yearly earnings of $77,110. Environmental specialists make a median wage of $71,130. The USDA Economic Research Service says federal agriculture jobs provide starting pay of $19,048 at Grade 1 or $106,595 at Grade 15. Advancing to Step 10 would earn federal employees up to $138,572 annually.
Is the Market Currently Hiring After Top-Value Agriculture Science Programs?
Knowing whether today’s farming industry is ripe with job opportunities before starting an affordable agriculture science degree online is smart. By 2050, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation predicts that farming production must increase 70 percent to meet global demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of agricultural workers will grow 1 percent for 10,900 jobs nationwide through 2028. The number of farmers and ranchers will fall by 1 percent to 966,500 in total. Fishing and hunting workers can expect a 2 percent decline this decade. The 13,900 forest and conservation workers will see jobs decrease by 3 percent. However, the hiring of agricultural and food science technicians will jump 6 percent through 2028. Agricultural and food scientists can count on a faster-than-average growth of 7 percent. Openings for agricultural engineers will expand by 5 percent. Beef2Live reports that Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and California have the most farms. Select from our best online affordable colleges for agriculture science degree options to lasso in exciting farm job offers.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable online bachelor’s in agriculture science programs.
More Rankings of Interest:
- Affordable Colleges w/ the Best Return
- 25 Most Affordable Master’s of Marketing Degrees
- 25 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Nutrition Studies
- 15 Best Affordable Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 15 Best Affordable Chemistry Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 15 Best Affordable Veterinary Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 30 Most Affordable Schools for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns