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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,835

Est. from IA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,978

Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

Iowa's ag business programs cluster around the $40,000 mark for first-year earnings, and the estimates here suggest Iowa Central fits that pattern. With estimated debt just under $12,000 against earnings around $40,800, graduates would likely be looking at manageable monthly payments—roughly 7% of their gross income if they follow standard repayment schedules. That's a workable debt load for someone entering the agricultural sector, where steady employment and advancement opportunities often offset modest starting pay.

The catch is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Iowa Central's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about what your child would specifically experience. What we do know is that Iowa Central serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (31%), suggesting they're practiced at making education accessible for students without deep financial resources. The estimated earnings also sit above the national median for this credential, which makes sense given Iowa's strong agricultural economy—demand for these skills is real in this region.

For a student genuinely interested in agricultural business and planning to stay in Iowa, this looks like a practical pathway with limited downside risk. The debt burden is light enough that even if actual outcomes fall below the estimates, it shouldn't become financially crushing. Just recognize you're making this decision with broader market data rather than this school's specific track record.

Where Iowa Central Community College 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
Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge	$5,376	$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 Iowa Central Community College, approximately 31% 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.