WSU's CAHNRs lands top 15 ranking for best U.S. agricultural sciences college

PULLMAN — College ranking and review website Niche named Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences as one of the 15 best U.S. agricultural sciences colleges for 2024.

“This ranking represents the valuable and impactful work of CAHNRS faculty, staff, and students,” said Wendy Powers, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS. “Through agricultural sciences research and outreach, our college supports growers, partners, and producers while fostering a resilient Washington where communities, families, and individuals thrive. CAHNRS graduates are empowered with knowledge and prepared to pursue careers that are vital to global food security.”

Encompassing 13 academic departments and schools, 22 majors, and 27 graduate programs, CAHNRS leads WSU’s land-grant mission of service through education and research.

Working to improve quality of life for the people of Washington state and the world, the college promotes healthy communities, families, and children; sustains the economy and the environment; and continually advances the science and practice of agriculture.

CAHNRS is a leading driver of research at WSU, contributing to nearly 40% of the university’s external funding budget. Research within the college reflects the diversity of Washington’s communities, businesses, agriculture systems, natural resources, and landscapes, helping feed a growing population, protect natural resources, and create greater capacities for resilience in the face of change.

CAHNRS students work with renowned faculty committed to the training of future scientists as they pursue meaningful research projects and extend science to serve communities at home and around the world. Each CAHNRS graduate leaves equipped with the knowledge base, experience, and interpersonal communication skills to be job-ready on day one.

As part of the college, WSU Extension has provided educational, personal, and professional development opportunities statewide for more than 100 years, operating through 40 county and tribal offices as well as four research and Extension centers.

“CAHNRS teaching, research, and Extension collaborations benefit our undergraduate and graduate students because our faculty address real-world challenges in and out of the classroom,” said Nancy Deringer, interim associate dean for CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs. “Our growing industry collaborations allow students to frequently engage in transformative educational experiences from their first year through their senior capstone. Employers seek out CAHNRS students because of their hands-on experiences and readiness to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

In 2021, CAHNRS was ranked as the 17th best agriculture college by school and program ranking website College Values Online.