Agricultural Production Operations at Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley's agricultural production program shows concerning first-year earnings of just $28,814—landing in the 5th percentile nationally, which means 95% of similar programs produce better immediate outcomes. That $10,000 gap below the national median is significant when you're carrying $26,500 in debt. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but these numbers still warrant serious scrutiny.

Here's the complicating factor: this is one of only two agricultural production bachelor's programs in Pennsylvania, and it actually hits the state median for earnings. So while it underperforms nationally, it's not an outlier within PA—the state's agricultural production programs appear to struggle collectively compared to other regions. Whether that reflects regional ag industry pay scales or program quality issues is unclear, but either way, your child faces the same challenge: earning roughly $29,000 with $26,500 in debt means spending nearly a full year's salary to pay off loans.

The nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio makes this a risky financial proposition, especially given Delaware Valley's 92% admission rate suggests limited selectivity. If agriculture is the career goal, look hard at programs in states with stronger agricultural economies—the national 75th percentile shows schools reaching $42,000 in first-year earnings. That $13,000 difference compounds significantly over a career.