Analysis
Alabama's agricultural business programs cluster tightly around $50,000 in first-year earnings, with Auburn reporting that exact figure. Based on comparable ag business programs nationally, Alabama A & M graduates likely start near $48,000—slightly below the state median but tracking with typical outcomes for this field. The estimated $20,000 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning roughly five months of gross pay to cover what students typically borrow.
The bigger picture here involves Alabama A & M's mission as an HBCU serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (64% receive federal grants). For families concerned about access and affordability in agricultural careers, the estimated debt load is modest compared to many four-year programs. Agricultural business degrees tend toward stable, if not spectacular, earnings—you're preparing for farm management, agribusiness sales, or agricultural lending rather than high-flying corporate roles.
The lack of reported outcomes data means you're working with informed approximations rather than this school's actual track record. Before committing, ask the department directly about placement rates and where recent graduates have landed jobs. Agricultural programs live or die by their industry connections, internship pipelines, and alumni networks—factors the federal data can't capture but that matter enormously for launching a career in Alabama's $70 billion agriculture industry.
Where Alabama A & M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,024 | $48,338* | — | $20,000* | — | |
| $12,536 | $50,936* | $56,984 | $21,875* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $48,338* | — | $20,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Computer User Support Specialists
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Farm and Home Management Educators
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alabama A & M University, approximately 64% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 77 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.