Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree) at California State University-Bakersfield

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,019

Est. from CA median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$13,820

Est. from CA median (4 programs)

Analysis

Similar agricultural business programs in California produce first-year earnings around $49,000, which places this field squarely in the middle of the pack nationally—comfortable but not exceptional. What makes this estimate particularly relevant is that it aligns almost exactly with the state median, and peer programs at Cal Poly SLO and Fresno State report outcomes in the same ballpark, suggesting these figures reflect realistic expectations for ag business graduates in California's Central Valley.

The estimated debt load of $13,820 is notably lower than the national median of $20,000 for this degree, which matters significantly for a program serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates would theoretically owe less than three months of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point for careers in an industry where advancement often comes through experience and relationship-building rather than immediate high salaries.

For families in Bakersfield's agricultural community, this program likely offers practical value. The estimates suggest solid earnings potential without crushing debt, and the school's high admission rate makes it accessible. However, parents should recognize that these figures are based on comparable programs, not verified outcomes from CSU Bakersfield specifically. The takeaway: if your student is committed to agricultural business and wants to stay regional, the financial fundamentals look sound, but connecting with program alumni directly would help confirm whether this particular pathway delivers on that promise.

Where California State University-Bakersfield Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
California State University-BakersfieldBakersfield	$7,696	$49,019*	—	$13,820*	—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$52,778*	$78,364	$14,500*	0.27
California State University-FresnoFresno	$6,980	$50,100*	$62,027	$13,139*	0.26
California State University-ChicoChico	$8,064	$47,937*	$61,609	$11,250*	0.23
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona	$7,439	$38,272*	—	$20,500*	0.54
National Median	—	$48,338*	—	$20,000*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related 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 California State University-Bakersfield, approximately 61% 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 median of 4 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.