Analysis
Austin Peay's agriculture program produces graduates earning about $8,000 below the national median for ag majors, landing in just the 13th percentile nationally. However, within Tennessee's limited agriculture landscape (only four schools offer the degree), this program sits right at the middle of the pack—40th percentile statewide. UT-Martin leads Tennessee programs by a significant margin at $39,438, while Austin Peay's $31,905 starting salary trails even Tennessee Tech's $33,508.
The modest $18,625 debt load offers some cushion, creating a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates see 11% earnings growth by year four, reaching $35,349, though this still lags behind what peers at other Tennessee schools start with immediately after graduation. For a school serving many Pell Grant recipients (46%), the relatively contained debt matters, but the earning power simply doesn't match other in-state options.
If your child is set on agriculture and Austin Peay for personal reasons, the debt won't be crushing. But Tennessee families should seriously consider UT-Martin or Tennessee Tech first—both deliver stronger starting salaries that could compound over a career. The $7,500+ difference in first-year earnings between Austin Peay and UT-Martin equals nearly half the total debt load, making the higher-performing programs a notably better investment.
Where Austin Peay State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agriculture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Austin Peay State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $31,905 | $35,349 | +11% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $64,786 | $57,972 | -11% |
| Tennessee Technological University | $33,508 | $46,825 | +40% |
| The University of Tennessee-Martin | $39,438 | $45,729 | +16% |
| Tennessee State University | $34,255 | $37,338 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Agriculture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville | $8,675 | $31,905 | $35,349 | $18,625 | 0.58 |
 The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin | $10,208 | $39,438 | $45,729 | $19,500 | 0.49 |
 Tennessee State UniversityNashville | $8,568 | $34,255 | $37,338 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
 Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville | $10,084 | $33,508 | $46,825 | $14,915 | 0.45 |
| National Median | — | $39,438 | — | $20,625 | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agriculture graduates
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Animal Scientists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Soil and Plant Scientists
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
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 Austin Peay State University, approximately 46% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.