Analysis
Iowa State's Agricultural Engineering program launches graduates into solid six-figure earning potential quickly, with first-year earnings of $72,376—about $7,000 above the national median for this field and placing it in the 77th percentile nationally. The $21,500 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn back their entire student loan burden in just four months of work. For a state school with an 89% acceptance rate, these are strong outcomes that make this program accessible to a wide range of students.
The modest 4% earnings growth from year one to year four deserves mention—graduates aren't seeing dramatic salary jumps early in their careers. However, the baseline salary is strong enough that this slower growth doesn't undermine the program's value. Agricultural engineering remains a specialized field with steady demand, particularly in Iowa's agriculture-heavy economy. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reasonable confidence in these figures without the volatility you'd see with very small cohorts.
For families evaluating engineering options, this program offers a practical path: strong starting salaries, reasonable debt loads, and the stability of Iowa State's well-established agricultural programs. The combination of low financial risk and above-average earnings makes this a sound investment, especially for students interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture.
Where Iowa State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Iowa State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | $72,376 | $75,259 | +4% |
| Cornell University | $54,435 | $88,538 | +63% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $69,848 | $88,252 | +26% |
| University of Kentucky | $51,864 | $84,831 | +64% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $72,713 | $77,884 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agricultural Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $72,376 | $75,259 | $21,500 | 0.30 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $75,434 | $73,787 | $26,625 | 0.35 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $74,655 | $71,893 | $18,000 | 0.24 |
 University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln | $10,108 | $73,907 | — | — | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $72,713 | $77,884 | $16,420 | 0.23 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $72,168 | $77,760 | $20,000 | 0.28 |
| National Median | — | $65,396 | — | $22,936 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural engineering graduates
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 State 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 81 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.