One of the cheapest online agriculture degree programs can provide the skills you need to work in one of the most important industries on the planet.
The agriculture sector provides energy, raw materials, and (most importantly) food for the global population. We need people who know how to grow crops, conserve resources, create efficient farming practices, and get the best uses from plant and animal products. After completing an agriculture bachelor degree online, you’ll have in-demand skills that contribute to this vital sector.
In this ranking list, you’ll find 27 degrees from 21 accredited institutions. While the specializations vary, they all deal with agriculture in some manner. After graduation, students can join the agriculture sector, working in careers like agriculture scientist, conservation scientist, farming manager, or horticulturist. You could even become a specialized expert in turfgrass management, sustainability, or agribusiness risk management. The choice is yours, but it starts by selecting the right degree for your career goals and budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$49,900
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina State University at Raleigh ~$28,142
Least Expensive All Students: Fort Hays State University ~$29,131
With an education in agriculture, you can contribute to the single most important sector on the planet. The work itself is highly rewarding, but you’ll also enjoy robust earnings and a solid industry.
12 Cheapest Online Agriculture Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $28,142.00 $119,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $29,131.00 | All Students |
3 | Utah State University | (UT) | $30,152.00 $37,272.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $33,120.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $36,482.00 | All Students |
6 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $37,666.00 $67,639.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $40,470.00 | All Students |
8 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,570.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
9 | Illinois College | (IL) | $45,400.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | (MN) | $45,912.00 | All Students |
11 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $46,104.00 $95,064.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Murray State University | (KY) | $47,832.00 $67,968.00 $47,832.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $52,080.00 $56,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Unity Environmental University | (ME) | $56,500.00 $50,860.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Greenville University | (IL) | $56,549.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $57,376.00 | All Students | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $62,880.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $63,000.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | (MA) | $63,735.00 | All Students | |
Maharishi International University | (IA) | $64,000.00 | All Students |
Methodology for Rankings of Affordable Online Agriculture Degree Programs
These rankings of online agriculture bachelor’s programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. To calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online agriculture degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online agriculture degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online agriculture bachelor’s degree must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture?
Everyone has their own motivations, but here are some of the top reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture:
- Select your specialization: While all of these degrees relate to agriculture, you can find programs in business, horticulture, sustainability, ranch management, organics, and more. This allows you to leverage your unique skills and interests while still being a part of the agriculture sector.
- Strong salaries available: Agricultural and food scientists have a median annual income of $74,940, while agricultural managers have a median of $75,760 a year. With experience and dedication, you can expect a strong income from this sector.
- Stable job market: Agriculture careers may not see massive growth, but this growing sector should bring plenty of opportunity. Agriculture and food scientists are expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032.
Program Cost for an Online Bachelor’s in Agriculture
The average in-state cost for these degrees is $49,900. This is a large total, but the standard completion time is four years. This means the average per-year cost is roughly $12,475. While still significant, that’s a far more manageable price.
The cheapest online agriculture degree in this database is the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from North Carolina State University at Raleigh. This degree has an in-state price of $28,142.
For students from across the country, the cheapest online agriculture degree is the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. This program has a total cost of $29,131, which is available to students from any area.
The most expensive program is the Bachelor of Arts in Regenerative Organic Agriculture from Maharishi International University in Iowa. This program has a total cost of $64,000.
If you need the cheapest online agriculture degree, the best options are public schools within your state. But as this list shows, there are affordable options for students from any location.
Who Offers the Cheapest Online Agriculture Degree Programs?
Many schools offer affordable options for an online agriculture bachelor’s degree. But these are the three programs with the lowest price.
#1. North Carolina State University at Raleigh – Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science
Cost: $28,142 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
A fairly standard bachelor of science degree, this program has a total price just over $28,000, making it the cheapest online agriculture degree on our list. However, there is a massive jump in price for out-of-state students, who will pay an estimated $119,630 for the degree. This is a difference of roughly $90,000 between in-state and out-of-state students. Typically, the difference is much less, around $10,000 to $30,000.
This degree delivers a high-quality education to anyone interested in an agriculture career. The program covers aspects of the food and fiber industries while allowing students to select two specializations. Students select two specialty areas from a list that includes environmental technology, feed mill management, animal science, ag business management, horticulture, and poultry science.
#2. Fort Hays State University – Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
Cost: $29,131 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
While this program is the second-cheapest online agriculture bachelor’s degree for in-state students, it’s also the most affordable option for anyone outside of North Carolina. The total estimated cost of $29,131 is available to all students, making this a great choice for students in any corner of the country.
This program helps students understand agriculture, food production, resource management, and ag-related laws. It’s an all-encompassing degree that focuses on the management, organization, and administration of the farming sector. Subjects include agriculture lending, commodities, agribusiness management, farm supply, and seed company management.
#3. Utah State University – Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
Cost: $30,152 (In-state, Utah)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Coming in at #3 in our list of the cheapest online agriculture degree programs is the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Utah State University. This degree includes a variety of subjects ranging from livestock farming to human nutrition. Students learn about food and material production while also studying the economics of agriculture.
Delivered 100% online, this degree requires 65 credit hours, including 15 industry-relevant courses. The program takes a look at the overall agriculture sector, but graduates will also have business and management skills that can apply to any area.
Degree Options for Bachelor’s in Agriculture
All of these online degrees focus on agriculture, but there are important differences as well. These differences include the type of degree and the focus area.
Degree Type
You’ll need to select the type of degree that works best for your career goals and interests. The most common type in this list is a bachelor of science (BS) degree. A bachelor of science focuses on the technical and scientific aspects of agriculture and generally stays within the scope of the industry. This type of degree explores the technical aspects of the subject.
A bachelor of arts (BA) degree, by comparison, is broader in scope and more theoretical. It may include non-scientific subjects like marketing, management, or issues impacting crop production.
There is also an option for a Bachelor of Professional Studies from Arkansas Tech University. This degree focuses on the professional skills required for an agriculture career.
Concentration
Students must also select a specialization or concentration. This will have a major impact on what you learn and what jobs are available after graduation. Arguably, the concentration is more important than the degree type.
Options include:
- Agribusiness
- Risk management
- Agricultural science
- Horticulture
- Crop science
- Soil science
- Turfgrass science
- Sustainability
- Organic agriculture
Accreditation for the cheapest online agriculture degree Programs
Accreditation is an important part of choosing a college program. If you are pursuing an online agribusiness degree, you must verify the school’s accreditation status to ensure you receive a high-quality degree.
Accreditation status matters. It indicates a trustworthy, high-quality education that has been verified by an independent organization. Degrees from accredited schools have respect from employers, and students attending accredited schools have more access to financial aid and student loans from the federal government.
The top online agribusiness degrees have accreditation from regional bodies. These include the Higher Learning Commission, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Some degrees hold programmatic accreditation as well. Organizations like the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers accredit programs in their specific discipline. The degrees in this ranking, however, do not have a subject-specific accrediting body. That is okay; as long as the degree comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements
Most bachelor’s degrees have fairly light enrollment requirements. Some may require SAT or ACT scores, but many will accept students based solely on their high school transcripts. If you have previous college experience, such as an associate’s degree or an incomplete bachelor’s, these credits may be accepted by the school.
Some programs also have GPA requirements, although most of these requirements are fairly light. Students with a 2.5 GPA from their high school studies should find a program that accepts their application. Many programs have no GPA requirement, while others require a 3.0 or higher.
Licensing, Training, and Experience Requirements
Only a few careers in agriculture require a license or certification. Some agriculture and food scientists may need a state-mandated license, especially if they work with soil.
Some states require soil scientists, which the BLS classifies as a type of agriculture scientist, to have a license. This varies by state, but requirements may include a bachelor’s degree in soil science or a related field, as well as experience working under a licensed scientist.
While mandatory licensing is rare, voluntary certification can help boost your career and result in stronger earnings and more job options. For example, agriculture and food scientists can become certified through groups like the American Society of Agronomy, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, the Institute of Food Technologists, and the Soil Science Society of America. These groups provide industry-recognized certifications that enhance your career. Qualification is usually based on education, professional experience, and exam scores.
Salary and Career Information
Most do not enter an agriculture career for the salary. However, it’s possible to earn a sizable income if you have the right education, experience, and talents.
Agricultural and food scientists have a median income of $74,940. For perspective, the median salary for all occupations is $46,310. The top 10% in this career field earn over $129,000 a year. The best-paid agricultural and food scientists work in research and development, where their median income is $82,840.
Agriculture provides a stable career as well. Other sectors may see faster expansion (technology and healthcare in particular), but the growth in agriculture is steady and consistent. Agricultural and food scientists are expected to see a 6% growth between 2022 and 2032; the growth for all occupations is predicted at 3%.
Many of these scientists work in food manufacturing. According to the BLS, 19% of all agricultural and food scientists are within this industry, while 13% work in research and development.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Agriculture Bachelor’s Degree Program?
With so many degree options, choosing an agriculture bachelor degree online can be challenging. But there is a process to make the selection easier.
First, think about your personal interests and career goals. There are numerous online agriculture degree options, so you need to find ones that match your personal interests. You can find degrees ranging from crop science or agribusiness, so defining your goals is critical.
Make sure the school is accredited by a regional organization to ensure a high level of academic quality. (All programs in this database come from accredited institutions.) Only enroll in a program from an accredited school.
Research the program’s structure and courses. While many are 100% online, some programs are hybrid, meaning they have some in-person requirements. Research the structure and delivery method before enrolling. Also, check the class schedule. Can you attend recorded lectures at your convenience, or do you need to be online at a specific time? This also impacts your learning.
An online agribusiness degree can change your future while allowing you to improve the way we produce food and raw materials. If you need more help finding the right program for your needs, use the helpful resources on GetEducated.com!