It is rare to find students seeking a degree in agriculture in the United States. But did you know that the United States is a leader in agricultural research and an important model for other countries trying to solve the world’s food problems? More and more international students are looking to advance their careers by taking courses at leading agricultural institutions in the United States. If you want to be one of them but need help identifying and applying to top universities for agricultural studies, check out Yocket Premium Services.
In the meantime, this blog presents the benefits, eligibility criteria, costs, and employment prospects for international students who choose to pursue an agricultural education in the United States. So start reading!
Why study agriculture in the United States?
You can learn the basics of agriculture, along with the developments experienced in this sector, by enrolling in one of the best AG programs in the United States and at one of the best universities in the United States.
American courses provide first-class education and support students in acquiring the skills needed to survive, thrive, and succeed in a modern and highly competitive environment.
Additionally, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recognizes agricultural courses that cover a wide range of topics. Topics of study and research include animal sciences, sustainable agriculture, livestock farming (breeders), agroecology, and plant sciences. Reasons to study agriculture in the US include:
- High Quality Education: Better quality education can be obtained by obtaining a diploma or master’s degree from any of the top agricultural universities.
- Best Institutions: The best professors and facilities are found at the best agricultural institutions in the United States. Thanks to this program, students can choose the best education.
- Pursue Better Jobs: Students who complete this course will have access to better-paying jobs in American agriculture. The optimal annual salary is around USD 81,335 (INR 66,69,470).
After discussing the benefits of studying agriculture in the United States, we reveal the best universities in America for this field.
5 Best Agricultural Universities in the USA
Are you interested in knowing which universities offer the best educational, research, and employment opportunities in the United States? Well, these universities are listed below, with all the important information.
- University of California, Davis
- Cornell University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Texas A&M University
- Iowa State University
Let’s explore the details of each of the top agricultural universities in the United States.
1. University of California, Davis
When the University Farm School was founded in 1908 as the scientific and research organization of UC Berkeley, the University of California Davis (UC Davis) was born. UC Davis’ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is where students study. They acquire the skills needed to tackle real-world problems in the environmental sciences, humanities, and agriculture. With problem-solving skills, young people gain knowledge about how they can improve society and support people in a healthy life. At UC Davis, students can enroll in any bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
| TYPE | personal |
| University of California, Davis World Rankings | 132 |
| Programs offered | Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Viticulture and Oenology, Master of Horticulture and Agronomy, Bachelor of Animal Science and Management, and Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture. |
| Program costs (annual) | Rp 13,000–46,000 (INR 10,30,799–36,47,445) |
2. Cornell University
The best university in the United States for agricultural education is Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The overall program is designed to encourage intellectual exploration through challenging teaching and a core curriculum. In addition to taking advantage of educational features, students participate in events and other institution-based activities that promote hands-on learning. Plus, you’ll notice that plants grow in certain seasons!
| TYPE | personal |
| Cornell University World Rankings 2024 | 13 |
| Programs offered | Ang Liceu sa Agricultural Sciences, Masters in Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Postgraduate Cell Sciences, at iba pa. |
| Program costs (annual) | USD 30.267–62.456 (INR 24.00.000–49.52.279) |
3. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The oldest public university in the United States is the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Anyone who wants to study agriculture can register at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Key topics to choose from include those related to health and nutrition, food and agriculture, life sciences, sustainability, food production, natural resources, the environment (climate change), business, communications, and society. As part of the courses offered here, students work in laboratories to gain hands-on learning experience, helping them get started and improve their professional skills.
| TYPE | public |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison 2024 World Rankings | 102 |
| Programs offered | Bachelor of Botany, Bachelor of Horticulture, M.Sc. Agronomy, Botany, Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, and more. |
| Program costs (annual) | Rp 38,000–25,000 (INR 30,13,107–19,82,307) |
4. Texas A&M University
Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University offers more than a hundred programs of study. One of the four pillars of the university is the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences. You should enroll in this college if you want to receive a well-rounded education that includes scientific advancements in various agricultural sectors. It was successful from the beginning of college. The study of agriculture and its interdisciplinary approach is another option for students.
| TYPE | personal |
| Texas A&M University, College Station World Rankings 2024 | 134 |
| Programs offered | Bachelor in Agricultural Economics, Master in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, Soil Science, from Marami Pang Iba. |
| Program costs (annual) | Rp 45,000-330,000 (INR 35,68,153-223,78,769) |
5. Iowa State University
Iowa State University provides the highest level of education for its students and is one of the top public agricultural institutions in the United States. A wide variety of agriculture courses are offered to students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. It includes biology, technology, and communication. Graduates have employment opportunities in rural development, agriculture, environmental sciences, value-added processing, and natural resource management.
| TYPE | public |
| Iowa State University World Rankings 2024 | 400 |
| QS 2024 Topic Rankings | 14 |
| Programs offered | Bachelor in Agronomy, Bachelor in War, M.Sc. Agronomy, Animal Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, and much more. |
| Program costs (year) | Rp 12,000–23,000 (INR 9,51,507–18,23,722) |
Now that you know some of the universities that offer the highest agricultural education in America, hopefully things are becoming clearer now. You can also explore more universities with Yocket’s AI tool, University Explorer. We also discuss the application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, etc. Read on!
Overview of the US Agriculture Course Program
In the United States, students pursuing agricultural education can choose from several different paths. Students can choose from an undergraduate to a Ph.D. program based on what best suits their needs.
- Students in the US pursuing a BSc in Agriculture learn the basics of agriculture. Similarly, students gain theoretical and practical knowledge from US MSc and PhD programs in agriculture.
- Universities in the United States offer Doctor of Philosophy courses in horticulture, forestry, soil science, plant biology, and many other areas if you want to earn a PhD in agriculture.
| Popular courses offered | Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture PhD in forestry, soil science, and plant biology Master in Food Science and Technology BS in agricultural education is communication Bachelor of Science in Planetary Sciences Sarjana Sains from agricultural sciences |
| Couple of years | 1.5–2 years for masters 4 years before high school 4-6 years for a PhD |
| Best universities | University of California, Davis Cornell University University of Wisconsin-Madison Texas A&M University Iowa State University |
| Total load | 31,018 USD (24,59,488 INR). |
| Score at least a GRE | About 140 or so |
| English proficiency score | TOEFL: 80-100 IELTS: 6,5-7,0 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study Agriculture in the United States
Regardless of the type of US agriculture course you are looking for, the eligibility criteria are the same for all courses, including:
- Educational Qualification
- English test scores
- Standardized test scores
Below, we discuss the requirements per standard.
1. Educational qualification
Submit a Class 12 qualifying certificate from an accredited educational institution (a science background is required for UG programs).
For postgraduate programs:
- Students are required to provide high school qualification details for relevant subjects.
- Students may be required to follow all guidelines set forth by the various departments and colleges in which they attend.
About the PhD program:
- A master’s degree in agriculture or a closely related field is required for students.
- Selected universities may request your GRE scores.
- Participating universities must approve research papers submitted by students.
- TOEFL, or IELTS, is accepted as an English language proficiency test for all international students.
2. English test scores
International students whose native language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores when registering for courses. Scores may vary by university, but most accept ELT scores earned within two years. Take your time now! Instead, take a test right before you sign up.
- TOEFL: 80-100
- IELTS: 6,5-7,0
- walking: 140
3. Standardized test scores
You may be asked to provide U.S. college entrance exam scores, such as the undergraduate SAT/ACT and the graduate student SAT. These scores are rarely needed, but once you take the test, it’s important to keep them handy!
See also: https://yocket.com/blog/eligibility-for-MS-in-USA
Once the eligibility criteria are known, check the documents required to proceed with the agreement before submitting the application.
Documents Required to Study Agriculture in the United States
Below are the most important documents required to study at the best agricultural universities in the United States:
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
- Biography and CV
- Academic papers
- A valid passport is required.
- Proof of financial support
Don’t forget to write a solid SOP. First, request LORs from your professors and academic advisors. Translate your transcription into English if you haven’t already done so. Submit financial proof for scholarships or to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to support your education for at least one year.
Admission Process for the Top Agricultural Universities in the United States
There are three years of admission—fall, summer, and winter—at every institution in the United States. You must be prepared to submit the necessary documents to complete the admission process at one of the leading agricultural institutions in the United States. The steps for the acceptance procedure are as follows:
- Visit the university’s official website to see if you meet the requirements of the program you wish to enroll in.
- Complete the online form and submit it along with the registration fee.
- You can check for updates by visiting the admissions site after submitting your application.
- In the meantime, you can gather the necessary documentation to apply for a study permit in the United States.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an offer of admission, which you must respond to.
- After you complete the university application process, you will pay the tuition fee to secure your place.
- Once you receive confirmation of approval, you can proceed with your study permit application.
See also: All about fall drinking in the United States
Next, let’s discuss the most intimidating topic: the cost of studying in the United States.
Cost of Studying Agriculture in the USA
The cost of taking an agriculture course in the United States varies depending on your lifestyle and the type of institution you choose. Depending on the location or state where you take courses, there are differences in the cost of tuition and living expenses.
- Tuition fees apply for various parts of the course. However, the costs are completely determined by the level you follow. On average, the tuition fee is USD 31,018 (INR 24,59,488) per year.
- For international students studying in the United States, the average annual cost of living ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 19,000 (INR 14,27,261), depending on the lifestyle, type of accommodation, and services used. .
Now that we’ve covered the average college cost in the United States, we’re now looking for ways to save!
Scholarships for Agriculture Courses in the USA
Some universities and colleges offer state-funded or private scholarships or grants. Students can use this scholarship for US master’s degrees in agriculture and other-level courses to cover their tuition and living expenses. Some of the grants offered are:
| Scholarship | quantity (in USD) |
| Debesh Kamal, Stock Exchange Studio | 1.385 (INR 109.819) |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Scholarship-Monument | 1.000 (79.292 INR) |
| KC Mahindra-beurs | 5,542 (INR 43,9437) |
Finally, we discuss job opportunities in the United States with a degree in agriculture!
Jobs after US farming resumes
Job prospects are good for those seeking an MSc in Agriculture in the US, regardless of the institution or primary AG program they choose. After completing a master’s program, the average annual salary of an aspirant is approximately USD 68,000 or INR 54,47,381, depending on the position offered.
| Job profile | Annual salary (in USD) |
| Chamber of Agriculture | 84.000 (INR 66.60.553) |
| Agricultural engineer | 78.100 (INR 61.92.728) |
| Farm manager | 10.400 (INR 82,4,63,99) |
| Animal nutritionist | 72.000 (INR 57.09.045) |
| Agricultural and food scientists | 80.100 (INR 63.51.313) |