If you’re thinking about a career in agriculture, Colorado is a great place to study it. The state is home to millions of acres of farmland, producing everything from wheat and corn to cattle and specialty crops, making it a hub for hands-on learning and opportunities. Careers in crop science, livestock management, agribusiness, or agricultural technology are all growing, and the right college can give you the skills and experience you need to thrive.
In this article, we’ve put together the top five colleges in Colorado for agricultural sciences. You’ll get practical details about each program, including hands-on learning, tuition, accreditation, and career outcomes. Some schools are community colleges that offer affordable pathways and easy transfers, while others, like Colorado State University, focus on research and leadership in agriculture.
We selected these schools carefully, looking at program quality, accreditation, real-world training, affordability, and career success. Every school on this list has something unique to offer, whether you want to get into the workforce quickly or build a foundation for further studies.
Scroll down to see exactly what makes each program stand out and why these colleges are the best choices for anyone serious about agriculture in Colorado.
Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in Colorado
1. Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers a broad range of majors that really let you specialize, from Soil & Crop Sciences to Animal Science, Horticulture, and even Equine Science.
If you go into Soil and Crop Sciences, for example, there are different tracks (‘concentrations’) you can choose: Plant Biotechnology for hands-on breeding and genetics; Soil Science & Environmental Solutions for work in conservation and ecology; or Sustainable Agricultural Management, which teaches you how to run agro-ecosystems using technology and smart land practices.
CSU also has a Horticulture major (available on-campus or online) where you can go into greenhouse management, business, or even controlled-environment agriculture. The program is very hands-on, giving students access to labs, field research, and internship opportunities.
On the soil side, students will dive into topics like soil ecology, microbiology, plant-soil interactions, and the environmental impacts of agriculture.
If you do their online Soil & Crop Sciences degree, you’ll learn how to build resilient farming systems, manage soil health, and use data-driven techniques (like GIS, remote sensing) to make smart, sustainable decisions.
2. Aims Community College (Colorado)
Aims Community College offers several ag-focused associate degrees that are perfect if you want a practical, hands-on start to your agriculture career. Their Production Agriculture A.A.S. teaches the fundamentals of crop production, soil management, precision agriculture, farm management, and even equipment maintenance. You’ll learn everything from weed control and tillage systems to financial planning and marketing in farming.
They also have a Soil & Crop Sciences Associate of Science degree for those who want to transfer to a four-year school. This course gives you a strong foundation in soil biology, crop growth, and ag economics.
On the business side, Aims offers an Agribusiness Associate Degree with two tracks: one track (A.A.S.) is for students heading into the workforce, while another (A.S.) is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university. You’ll study farm/ranch management, livestock production, crop systems, marketing, and ag finance.
3. Northeastern Junior College
At Northeastern Junior College (NJC) in Sterling, Colorado, the ag department is very hands-on and broad. They offer a Production Agriculture A.A.S. degree (68 credits) that combines both plant and animal production, management, finance, and even requires an 8‑credit internship to give you real-world experience. Courses cover key areas like farm mechanics, feeding livestock, crop production, and farm business planning.
They also have an Agriculture Business Associate of Science (“Designation”) program (60 credits), which is specifically designed for students who plan to transfer to a four‑year school. This program teaches ag finance, farm budgeting, marketing, and how to run a ranch or farm in a business‑oriented way.
If your goal is to teach agriculture, NJC has an Associate of Science in Agricultural Education (63 credits) that trains you to teach, do extension work, or run educational programs in agriculture.In this program, you’ll take courses in livestock, soil, machinery, as well as classroom training, communication, management, and leadership skills.
4. Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) offers a solid, career‑focused program in Horticulture & Landscape Technologies, ideal for students who want hands-on experience designing, building, or maintaining green spaces. Their program includes both an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and an Associate in Science (AS) in Horticulture Business Management.
In the AAS track, you’ll specialize in areas like floral design, greenhouse/nursery management, or landscape contracting, gaining real-world experience through their on-campus greenhouse that replicates a commercial setup; everything from drip irrigation to fog nozzles is in place.
The AS track leans more into business, teaching you soil science, plant propagation, and business stats, and it’s structured to transfer into a bachelor’s program (for example, CSU’s horticulture business major).
Throughout your time at FRCC, you’ll have access to small class sizes, internship opportunities, and faculty who know the green industry. The program prepares you for a variety of roles: greenhouse manager, landscape designer, nursery business owner, or you can transfer if you want to continue your education.
5. Lamar Community College
Lamar Community College (LCC) offers several agriculture‑focused programs that work for both students who want to enter the workforce and those who plan to transfer to a 4‑year school. On its website, LCC lists A.S., A.A.S., and certificate programs in areas like Agriculture Business, Animal Science, Soil & Crop Science, and Agriculture Production Management.
If you go for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Agriculture Production Management, you’ll learn practical skills to work directly in farm ops, ranch management, or ag-business. The curriculum includes production techniques, business skills, and even internships, so you graduate ready to hit the ground running.
For those focused on business, the A.S. in Agriculture Business teaches farm accounting, ag marketing, soil science, and economic principles — great if you want to run or work in an agribusiness.
Students who want to teach or move into extension education will like LCC’s A.G.S. in Agriculture Transfer, which is set up to feed into four‑year programs in fields like ag education, extension, equine science, and more.
On the support side, LCC emphasizes mentorship. The faculty care about success, and the school has a culture built around student support and practical training.
Agriculture Careers and Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado’s agriculture sector is growing, with demand for skilled professionals in farm management, agri-business, crop science, and sustainable agriculture. According to the USDA, Colorado produces over $8 billion annually in crops and livestock, meaning there are consistent opportunities for graduates.
Students who complete hands-on programs or research-focused degrees are well-prepared for technical and managerial roles, or to run their own farms or agribusinesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between studying agriculture at a community college vs. a 4-year university in Colorado?
Community colleges (like Aims, Lamar, or Northeastern Junior College) focus on hands-on, practical training and are more affordable. Four-year schools (like Colorado State University) offer in-depth research opportunities, specialized programs, and leadership training, preparing students for advanced careers or graduate studies.
How long does it take to complete an agriculture program in Colorado?
Associate degrees typically take 2 years, while bachelor’s programs take 4 years. Certificates or short-term programs can take 6 months to 1 year, depending on the curriculum.
Are these programs accredited and recognized?
Yes, all five schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or equivalent state boards. Accreditation ensures quality education and that degrees are recognized by employers nationwide.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?
Graduates can work in crop and livestock management, agribusiness, sustainable farming, food production, soil science, horticulture, or agricultural technology. Many students also pursue graduate studies or professional certifications.
How much does it cost to study agriculture in Colorado?
Tuition varies: community colleges range from $150–$250 per credit hour, while Colorado State University costs around $12,000 in-state and $30,000 out-of-state annually.