Agricultural Business and Management (Associate's Degree) at Eastern Iowa Community College District

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,835

Est. from IA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,978

Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs across Iowa, this associate's degree appears positioned to deliver solid value in a practical field. The estimated first-year earnings of $40,835 align closely with Iowa's median for agricultural business programs and exceed the national figure by roughly $3,400. With estimated debt around $12,000, graduates would face monthly loan payments of approximately $135—manageable on an income that should support independent living in Iowa's more affordable communities.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests reasonable balance, though it's worth noting that other Iowa community colleges offering this program show a range of outcomes. Hawkeye Community College's graduates earn about $6,600 more in their first year, which could reflect stronger employer connections or program specializations. Still, the estimated figures here fall comfortably within what similar programs deliver statewide.

For a two-year credential in agricultural business, these numbers tell a practical story: students can likely enter the workforce quickly without crushing debt. The real question is whether your child has genuine interest in agriculture and rural business operations, since this degree typically leads to hands-on roles in farm management, agricultural sales, or agribusiness operations rather than office careers. If they're drawn to that work, the estimated economics make sense—but recognize these are projections based on peer programs, not verified outcomes from Eastern Iowa's specific graduates.

Where Eastern Iowa Community College District Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Agricultural Business and Management associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport	$4,680	$40,835*	—	$11,978*	—
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo	$6,308	$47,472*	$42,239	—*	—
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$40,835*	—	$11,000*	0.27
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny	$5,550	$40,506*	$49,112	$9,000*	0.22
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 Eastern Iowa Community College District, approximately 22% 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 3 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.