Location: Sioux Center, IA•In-State Tuition: $35,960•Admission Rate: 71%•Avg SAT: 1175
Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,230
58th percentile
40th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$19,000
5% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Dordt's agricultural business program sits in an interesting middle ground: it beats the national median by about $900, but lags behind other Iowa schools by roughly $2,400. Among Iowa's six ag business programs, it ranks in the 40th percentile—meaning more than half of in-state alternatives produce better first-year outcomes. For families weighing in-state options, that gap matters, especially when Iowa State grads earn $4,700 more with similar debt loads.

The financial structure itself looks reasonable. At $19,000 in debt against nearly $50,000 in earnings, graduates face a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio—they'd owe about 39% of their first year's salary. That's lower than the national median debt for this field, though the difference is modest. The real question is whether Dordt's faith-based environment and smaller scale justify accepting lower earnings than you'd see at larger Iowa programs.

One significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, which means a few outliers could skew the picture considerably. If you're seriously considering Dordt, ask for multi-year placement data to see if these earnings hold steady. For a family prioritizing ag connections and career placement in Iowa, programs like Iowa State offer measurably stronger financial outcomes right out of the gate.

Where Dordt University Stands

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

Dordt UniversityOther agricultural business and management programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Dordt University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Dordt University earns $49k — 58th percentile among agricultural business and management bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dordt UniversitySioux Center$35,960$49,230—$19,0000.39
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$53,967$59,766$16,9720.31
National Median—$48,338—$20,0000.41

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 Dordt University, approximately 18% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.