Analysis
Nebraska's agricultural sector offers steady opportunities, and peer programs suggest this associate's degree can provide a solid entry point. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates typically start around $37,400, rising to nearly $42,000 by year four—a meaningful progression that reflects growing expertise in farm management, agribusiness operations, or agricultural lending. The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 translates to a manageable 0.32 ratio against first-year earnings, well below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome.
The challenge is that Central Community College lacks specific outcome data for this cohort, making it harder to gauge whether its program matches the stronger performers in Nebraska. Southeast Community College's graduates, for instance, report earnings above $42,000 right from year one. If Central's outcomes align more closely with Northeast Community College's $36,200 figure, the debt picture remains workable but leaves less financial cushion. For a student committed to agricultural business in Nebraska—where the industry is robust and connections matter—this program likely offers reasonable value, but confirm that Central provides strong industry ties and placement support to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career entry.
Where Central Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | — | $41,838 | — |
| Bismarck State College | $38,623 | $55,381 | +43% |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $40,506 | $49,112 | +21% |
| Northeast Community College | $36,223 | $44,441 | +23% |
| Southeast Community College Area | $42,642 | $40,002 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Agricultural Business and Management associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,360 | $37,423* | $41,838 | $11,978* | — | |
| $3,540 | $42,642* | $40,002 | $10,748* | 0.25 | |
| $3,840 | $36,223* | $44,441 | $10,575* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $37,423* | — | $12,000* | 0.32 |
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 Central Community College, approximately 19% 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 16 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.