Agriculture at Alcorn State University

Alcorn State's Agriculture program produces graduates earning $37,771 their first year—below the national median but ranking in the 60th percentile among Mississippi agriculture programs. That state ranking matters because tuition costs favor in-state students, and this is one of only two agriculture programs in Mississippi (the other being Mississippi State). With manageable debt of $27,000—well below the national median—graduates start with a debt burden of just 71% of their first-year salary, making this one of the more affordable paths into agricultural careers.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (77%), suggesting it provides access to agricultural careers for students who might not otherwise pursue them. While earnings trail the national average by about $1,700, the controlled debt load prevents graduates from starting their careers in a financial hole.

For Mississippi families considering agriculture, this represents a viable option with reasonable debt, though the small program size warrants a closer look at specific career support and industry connections. The real question is whether the lower earnings reflect temporary market conditions or long-term limitations—something worth investigating during a campus visit.