Location: Colby, KS•In-State Tuition: $4,046•Out-of-State Tuition: $5,736
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,423
Est. from national median (16 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,978
Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

A projected debt load of $12,000 for an associate's degree is manageable by most standards, and when paired with first-year earnings around $37,400 based on comparable agricultural business programs nationwide, the math works in a graduate's favor. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests borrowers could realistically pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment—a solid foundation for launching a career in Kansas agriculture.

The challenge is that we're working with estimates rather than this specific program's track record, which means uncertainty about how Colby Community College's graduates actually fare. Agricultural business outcomes can vary significantly based on local industry connections, internship pipelines, and whether students transition into farm management, agribusiness sales, or corporate agricultural roles. The national median provides a reasonable baseline, but it doesn't tell you whether Colby's location in northwest Kansas—deep in wheat and cattle country—translates to better or worse opportunities than the typical program.

For families comfortable with a modest debt load and confident their student will pursue agriculture professionally rather than changing course mid-career, this looks like a practical stepping stone. The risk is primarily in not knowing whether Colby's specific outcomes beat, match, or trail the national average we're using as a proxy.

Where Colby Community College Stands

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

Colby Community College (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural business and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Business and Management associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Colby Community CollegeColby$4,046$37,423*—$11,978*—
North Dakota State College of ScienceWahpeton$5,928$48,646*$43,988$11,956*0.25
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo$6,308$47,472*$42,239—*—
Southeast Community College AreaLincoln$3,540$42,642*$40,002$10,748*0.25
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$8,895$41,966*$43,018$12,750*0.30
Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown$6,718$41,340*$44,958$12,000*0.29
National Median—$37,423*—$12,000*0.32
* 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 Colby Community College, approximately 23% 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.