International Agriculture at Iowa State University

Iowa State's International Agriculture program charges premium debt ($22,250 versus the national median of $16,900) for outcomes that match rather than exceed national standards. While first-year earnings of $52,068 place graduates at the 95th percentile nationally—seemingly impressive—this reflects how rare the program is (only 9 schools nationwide) rather than extraordinary performance. More telling: among Iowa's two programs, this ranks only at the 60th percentile, and graduates actually earn *less* four years out ($46,231) than they do fresh out of college.

That backward earnings trajectory should concern parents. Most careers show income growth as professionals gain experience, but these graduates see an 11% decline. This pattern suggests either job instability, career pivots away from the field, or a profession where entry-level roles pay better than mid-career positions—none ideal scenarios. The debt load, while manageable with a 0.43 ratio to first-year earnings, becomes less comfortable as income drops.

The program does keep debt relatively controlled compared to peers, and the low debt percentile (5th nationally) means most similar programs load students with more. But you're essentially paying Iowa State prices for outcomes you could achieve at the national median program for less money. Unless your child has specific international agriculture career goals that require Iowa State's network or curriculum, the combination of declining earnings and above-average debt makes this a questionable investment compared to more conventional agricultural pathways.