Agricultural Business and Management at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State graduates in agricultural business earn essentially the same amount four years out as they do immediately after graduation—hovering around $47,000—which sits below both the state median ($50,382) and national average ($48,338) for this degree. Among Kansas's three programs, this ranks 40th percentile, with Kansas State graduates earning nearly $7,000 more annually. The stagnant earnings trajectory is noteworthy in a field where experience and industry relationships typically drive income growth.

The program does keep debt manageable at $19,250, producing a healthy 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room early in their careers. Fort Hays's open admission policy and affordable tuition make it accessible for students who might not get into more competitive agriculture programs. For families prioritizing low debt over maximum earning potential, that tradeoff has merit.

However, if your child is college-ready and considering agriculture business in Kansas, Kansas State's significantly higher earnings suggest it's worth the extra effort to pursue admission there. Fort Hays works as a financially safe option, but the flat earnings pattern means graduates may hit their income ceiling quickly. For students planning to stay in Kansas agriculture, that $7,000 annual difference compounds substantially over a career.