Kansas is no small player in farming; we’re talking about 44.8 million acres of farmland spread across more than 55,000 farms, making it one of the top agricultural states in the country. If you’re thinking about building a career in agriculture, whether it’s crop science, livestock management, agribusiness, or agricultural technology, studying in Kansas gives you access to real opportunities and hands-on experience right where it matters.
We’ve put together the top five colleges in Kansas for agricultural sciences, and we didn’t just pick names randomly. We looked at program quality, the variety of courses offered, hands-on training opportunities, career outcomes, and affordability, making sure each school we highlight gives students a real shot at success. We also considered accreditation, faculty expertise, and connections with the agricultural industry, because getting a degree is one thing, but graduating ready to work in the field is another. Check out the top 5 colleges for Agricultural Science in Kansas below.
Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in Kansas
1. Kansas State University
Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture is one of the most respected programs in the country, offering a wide range of majors, minors, and certificates that cover areas like agribusiness, animal science, plant biotechnology, and food science.
Students can study across different campuses in Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe, or even take some courses online, giving flexibility depending on their career goals. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with opportunities for fieldwork, lab experiments, research projects, and community extension programs, ensuring students graduate with practical, real-world skills.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and as a land-grant institution, its College of Agriculture partners closely with K-State Research & Extension, providing students with access to research, internships, and community-based projects. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students is approximately $10,500 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $25,900 per year.
2. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University’s agriculture program is very flexible and practical. In the B.S. in Agriculture (General) track, students pick from a variety of courses, including animal science, plant breeding, agribusiness, environmental science, and livestock production, to build a degree that fits their goals.
For those more focused on business, the B.S. in Agricultural Business offers a blend of economic principles, farm management, and agribusiness finance, incorporating on‑farm experiences. The Agronomy Business major emphasizes crop production and soil management, mixing classroom learning with hands-on farm work and even professional certification, like chemical application.
Across these programs, students engage in internships, field courses, and research, helping them graduate ready to work in real-world agricultural operations, from commodity marketing to farm management. Tuition is very affordable: about $3,055.95 per semester for on-campus students at 15 credit hours. Fort Hays State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and it recently reaffirmed its accreditation through 2033–34.
3. Barton Community College
At Barton Community College, the Agriculture program is designed to give students a strong foundation while keeping things flexible. Their Associate in Science (AS) degree is meant for both students who want to transfer to a four‑year university and for those who want to jump straight into a career.
Course options include agribusiness, soil and environmental science, precision agriculture, livestock production, and more, so you can tailor what you learn to exactly where your interests lie. Barton also invests in hands-on training: they’re building a brand-new Ag & Transportation Complex, complete with modern classrooms and real training space.
Their faculty, small class sizes, and strong industry partnerships mean you’ll learn from people who actually work in agriculture. When you graduate, you’ll be ready either to continue your education or to take on a technical or managerial role in the ag sector.
Barton is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Tuition is very affordable: according to College Monk, the AAS or AS agriculture-related programs cost around $7,168 total for 64 credits.
4. Pratt Community College
Pratt Community College offers a very hands-on agriculture program, taking full advantage of its location in one of Kansas’s most productive farming regions. Students work with livestock, learn about feedlot operations, and study range management, soils, plant science, and animal science — so it’s not just theory; you’ll really be “in the dirt,” so to speak.
The mission is clear: students should graduate either ready to transfer to a four-year school or jump into an agricultural career. Class sizes are small, meaning you’ll get personalized attention, and partnerships with industry help you get real‑world experience.
The cost is also relatively low: in‑state tuition is $67 per credit hour for 2025–26, plus a fee of $31/credit hour.
5. Seward County Community College (SCCC)
Seward County Community College’s Agriculture department is part of its “Agriculture, Business & Personal Services” academic division. The program gives students access to associate-level training in agronomy, animal science, ag mechanics, and business, depending on how they want to specialize.
Practical learning is a big deal here; SCCC makes use of labs, workshops, and local-ag partnerships, so you’re not just studying but doing real agricultural work. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) under its Open Pathway accreditation model. Tuition for in-state students is very competitive: $80 per credit hour, plus associated fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Agriculture Colleges in Kansas
What is the difference between studying agriculture at a community college vs. a 4-year university in Kansas?
Community colleges like Barton, Pratt, and SCCC focus on hands-on, practical training, and their programs are shorter and more affordable. Four-year universities like Kansas State University or FHSU offer broader academic study, research opportunities, and leadership training, preparing students for advanced careers or graduate school.
How long does it take to complete an agriculture program in Kansas?
Associate degrees at community colleges usually take 2 years, while bachelor’s degrees at universities take 4 years. Certificates or specialized programs can be completed in 6 months to 1 year, depending on the program.
Are these programs accredited and recognized by employers?
Yes, all listed colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programs like K-State’s College of Agriculture also have land-grant status, which ensures strong industry partnerships, research opportunities, and recognition nationwide.
What careers can I pursue after graduating from a Kansas agriculture program?
Graduates can work in farm management, agribusiness, crop science, livestock production, environmental management, food production, or agricultural technology. Many also pursue graduate studies or professional certifications in specialized agricultural fields.
How much does it cost to study agriculture in Kansas?
Tuition varies: community colleges range from $67–$80 per credit hour, while universities like K-State are around $10,500 in-state and $25,900 out-of-state per year, and FHSU charges about $3,055 per semester.