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K-State's College of Agriculture has been ranked the seventh-best in the United States by Niche.com.

K-State College of Ag nabs No. 7 in latest Niche.com rankings

‘Faculty are focused on helping students,’ says K-State senior

Aug. 25, 2021

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture has again been recognized as a top 10 college by Niche.com in its annual Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences ranking.

Of the 142 agriculture colleges and programs Niche.com compared for their 2022 list, K-State ranks No. 7.

The Niche.com ranking is based on an analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data collected by the U.S. Department of Education, plus millions of reviews from students and alumni.

“There are many great agricultural schools doing incredible research and engagement, while also doing a great job preparing students,” said Ernie Minton, dean of the K-State College of Agriculture. “I’m proud that K-State again ranks among the top.”

“In looking at the data and survey results they’ve collected, one thing that sets us apart is the quality and commitment of our faculty. Every year, the student and alumni surveys consistently put our faculty first in areas related to teaching and helping students be successful.”

Scuyler Zenger, a K-State senior in food science and global food systems leadership, said the approachability and dedication of the faculty has had a significant impact on his time at K-State and ability to plan for his future.

"Dr. (Karen) Schmidt, my academic advisor and professor in food science, has helped me through so much during my time at Kansas State,” Zenger said. “When I thought I wanted to go pre-med, she helped me plan four years of coursework to accomplish that goal. When I changed my mind about medical school, she was supportive and insightful in determining a new route of classes to help me build a career I would be satisfied with and thrive in. The faculty are focused on helping students.”

Niche.com list of top 10 agriculture schools include:

No. 1    Cornell University

No. 2    Texas A&M University

No. 3    University of Georgia

No. 4    University of Florida

No. 5    University of California – Davis

No. 6    North Carolina State University

No. 7    Kansas State University

No. 8    Oklahoma State University

No. 9    Clemson University

No. 10  University of Wisconsin

Niche.com’s full listing of Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences is available online.

Sidebar

K-State tops rankings in six categories

Comparing survey results of K-State students and alumni to survey results of students and alumni at the other top-10 rated ag schools, K-State College of Agriculture placed first in six of seven categories Niche.com measured.

K-State ranked first in:

  • Professors put a lot of effort into teaching.
  • Professors care about their students’ success.
  • Professors are engaging and easy to understand.
  • Professors are approachable and helpful when needed.
  • It is easy to get into the classes they want.
  • Their workload is easy to manage.

K-State ranked second, just behind Cornell University, in the remaining category, “Professors are passionate about the topics they teach.”

At a glance

College of Agriculture students have rated K-State as the No. 1 college in the United in six categories related to the helpfulness of faculty.

Website

Niche.com ranking of U.S. agriculture programs

Notable quote

“There are many great agricultural schools doing incredible research and engagement, while also doing a great job preparing students. I’m proud that K-State again ranks among the top.”

— Ernie Minton, dean of the K-State College of Agriculture

Written by

Susan Schiff
785-532-1001

susanschiff@ksu.edu

 

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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.