10 Affordable Online Agriculture Degrees (2025)
Explore the top 10 affordable online agriculture degree programs for 2024. Dive deep into our guide and make an informed choice for your agricultural career.
Agriculture, the backbone of many economies, has evolved significantly. With technological advancements and research, the field now offers diverse specializations and opportunities.
An affordable online agriculture degree has become a popular choice for those looking to delve into this vital sector without the constraints of traditional learning.
The convenience of online education has made it easier than ever to acquire knowledge in this domain.
To guide you on this journey, we've curated a list of affordable online agriculture degree programs to help you make an informed decision.
List of Affordable Agriculture Degrees Online
Agriculture is more than just farming; it's a science, an art, and a business. Below, we present some top affordable online agriculture degree programs combining quality and affordability.
1. Penn State World Campus
The online Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management program at Penn State World Campus offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines business principles with agricultural industry insights.
With 120 credits, you can gain expertise in commodity markets, production, distribution, and the overall food system.
Tuition is $626 per credit for in-state students and $671 for out-of-state students. Penn State's agribusiness degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
2. Utah State University
Utah State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in agribusiness program, providing a solid foundation in both business and agriculture.
The curriculum covers agricultural economics, management information systems, natural resources economics, finance, and more.
With 15 industry-relevant courses and 65 program credit hours, graduates can pursue various career paths.
The estimated annual tuition for in-state part-time resident students is $6,623, with flexible start dates throughout the year.
3. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a fully online BS in sustainable food and farming program.
This program covers various aspects of sustainable agriculture, including vegetable, fruit, animal systems, permaculture, agricultural education, public policy, and more.
It includes 120 credits, 45 in general education, 26-31 in core classes, 24 in agricultural science, and 20 in professional electives, including optional internships.
UMass Amherst's Stockbridge School of Agriculture's tuition is $525 per credit.
4. Oregon State University
Oregon State University's online BS in agricultural sciences program is priced at $350 per credit with a total requirement of 180 credits.
This program empowers students to customize their degrees by selecting diverse agriculture-related courses.
Whether new to agriculture or an experienced farmer, this program offers flexibility and a top-ranked online learning platform.
It blends rich agricultural teaching traditions with the freedom to focus on specific interests, such as crop science, communications, leadership, or business management.
5. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in agriculture studies program that equips students with essential business, scientific, and technological knowledge for agri-business careers.
The program covers topics like horticulture and sustainability and provides a well-rounded understanding of plant and animal agriculture, agricultural technology, and financial aspects of agribusiness.
With flexible scheduling, students can balance their studies with work commitments. Tuition is $276 per credit; transfer credits of up to 90 hours are accepted.
6. University of Minnesota Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in agricultural business, available both on-campus and online.
This program combines agricultural experience with business acumen, preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.
It covers various business topics such as sales, marketing, management, finance, and information technology within agriculture.
Graduates are well-equipped for local, regional, or global careers. The yearly cost for this program is $11,478.00.
7. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in agriculture (BSAG) degree program in agricultural leadership.
This program focuses on leadership in the context of food, natural resources, and agriculture, preparing students to become influential leaders in the industry.
The curriculum emphasizes core values such as commitment to agriculture, authentic leadership, diversity, critical thinking, and professionalism.
The program offers flexibility for busy schedules. The total cost per credit hour for this online program is $416.95.
8. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in agricultural science program for students interested in leadership and communication within the food and fiber industry.
This program offers concentrations in various specialty areas such as animal science, agricultural business management, agroecology, and more.
With 120 credit hours required for completion, graduates are prepared for diverse farming, ranching, economics, sustainability, and plant science careers.
The program's yearly fee is $9,105.
9. Murray State University
Murray State University's Hutson School of Agriculture offers a flexible online Bachelor of Science in agriculture program.
This program equips students with the freedom to study Agriscience Technology or Agribusiness at their convenience.
This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers in agriculture.
The cost is $404.50 per credit hour, and both traditional and 100% online formats are available.
10. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in agricultural business.
With a 99% job placement rate and average starting salaries of around $44,000, graduates are well-prepared for careers in various food, fiber, and fuel sectors.
The program comprises 120 credit hours, including general education courses, agricultural courses, business cognates, and free electives.
Students can enroll in the program during the fall, spring, or summer, costing $242.76 per credit hour.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Cost?
The cost of an online Bachelor's degree in agriculture can vary widely based on the institution, program specifics, and the student's residential status.
The University of Florida, for instance, charges in-state tuition of $4,477 per year, while out-of-state students pay $25,694 annually.
Another institution, Arkansas State University, charges $276 per credit for its online agriculture program.
It's essential to note that these figures can change, and other factors, such as residential status, can significantly influence tuition fees.
Some universities may offer discounts or special rates for online programs, while others might have additional fees associated with online learning platforms.
Given the range of tuition structures, prospective students should thoroughly research and compare multiple programs to find the best financial fit for their needs.
How To Make an Online Agriculture Degree Affordable
While focusing on affordable programs, we recognize that 'affordable' can be subjective. For some, the costs might still be a challenge.
Here are some strategies to make your online agriculture degree even more economical.
- Scholarships: Many institutions offer scholarships based on merit or need.
- Financial Aid: Explore federal or state financial aid options.
- Payment Plans: Some schools provide flexible monthly payment plans.
- Work-Study Programs: Earn while you learn.
- Transfer Credits: Utilize prior credits to reduce course load and cost.
- In-State Tuition: Some online programs might offer in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students.
- Employer Reimbursements: Check if your employer covers part of your tuition.
- Attend Part-Time: Distribute your courses to spread out the cost.
- Community College: Consider starting at a community college and then transferring.
Is an Online Agriculture Degree Worth It?
Agriculture is a vast field with myriad career opportunities, from farm management and agribusiness to agricultural research and policy-making.
An online agriculture degree provides flexibility, allowing students to balance work, studies, and personal commitments.
The online format offers diverse courses, global networking opportunities, cost savings, and access to the latest digital tools and platforms.
Moreover, the convenience of studying from any location and the potential for accelerated programs can be significant advantages.
While the value of such a degree can vary based on individual goals and circumstances, given the sector's importance and the benefits of online education, it's a promising investment for many.
Find an Affordable Degree in Agriculture Online Today
Agriculture is not just about planting seeds; it's about nurturing growth, innovation, and sustainability. Dive into this dynamic world and cultivate a career that can make a global impact.
By choosing an affordable online agriculture degree, you're planting the seeds for a brighter future in a field that feeds nations and drives economies.