Agriculture schools educate students who are interested in careers in farming and related services. These may involve plant cultivation, dealing with animals or business and economics. There are many agriculture schools in the United States.
Agriculture schools can offer programs at all collegiate degree levels, from associate’s degrees up to doctoral degrees. While program costs are always important to consider, students should look into additional program criteria as well before making an education decision.
Ten Schools With Agriculture Programs
Here’s a list of ten schools with agriculture programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with estimated tuition costs included.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition (2015-16)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Davis | Davis, California | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$13,951 In-state, $38,659 Out-of-state |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 4-year, Private | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$49,116 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, Massachusetts | 4-year, Public | Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$14,171 In-state, $30,504 Out-of-state |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$6,381 In-state, $28,659 Out-of-state |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$10,415 In-state, $29,665 Out-of-state |
| Texas A & M University | College Station, Texas | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$10,176 In-state, $28,768 Out-of-state |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
$13,790 In-state, $22,210 Out-of-state |
| Rutgers State University | New Brunswick, New Jersey | 4-year, Public | Bachelor’s Master’s |
$14,131 In-state, $29,521 Out-of-state |
| Tufts University | Medford, Massachusetts | 4-year, Private | Master’s Doctoral |
Graduate tuition: $48,412 |
Sources:*NCES College Navigator
College Selection Criteria
Some important items to consider while looking at agriculture schools include:
- Students should seek out schools with plenty of specializations, which may include agronomy, horticulture, agriscience technology, agriculture education, agribusiness economics and animal sciences, like equine science and veterinary technology.
- Programs should offer a variety of classes, including animal/plant science, agricultural computer software, animal anatomy, agriculture safety, public policy and research.
- Look for a school with agriculture-based student organizations, clubs, or leadership opportunities.
- Quality schools feature state-of-the-art facilities with a computer lab, animal health facility, a farm center and a rodeo barn.
The best schools of agriculture offer numerous opportunities for hands-on experience and nurture students’ interests in the field through school clubs and organizations. They also offer a robust variety of specializations in the agricultural industry.