Analysis
Agricultural business associate's degrees in Mississippi feed into a labor market that includes everything from farm operations to agribusiness sales and supply chain roles. Nationally, programs like this typically produce first-year earnings around $37,400, which is what comparable programs suggest for Itawamba's graduates. That level of income—while modest—makes sense for entry-level positions in a sector where advancement often comes through experience and operational knowledge rather than credentials alone.
The estimated $11,978 in debt yields a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly a third of their first-year income. That's a reasonable starting point for a two-year credential, particularly in a field where practical skills and local industry connections matter as much as the degree itself. Mississippi's agricultural economy is substantial, and community college programs often maintain strong ties to regional employers who value hands-on training.
The uncertainty here is real—these figures come from national peer programs because Itawamba's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to report. For families considering this path, the practical question is whether your student has clear employment prospects in agricultural operations, co-ops, or related businesses. A two-year degree with modest debt makes financial sense if it leads directly to steady work, but it's worth confirming that local employers actively recruit from this program before committing.
Where Itawamba Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agricultural Business and Management associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,420 | $37,423* | — | $11,978* | — | |
| $5,928 | $48,646* | $43,988 | $11,956* | 0.25 | |
| $6,308 | $47,472* | $42,239 | —* | — | |
| $3,540 | $42,642* | $40,002 | $10,748* | 0.25 | |
| $8,895 | $41,966* | $43,018 | $12,750* | 0.30 | |
| $6,718 | $41,340* | $44,958 | $12,000* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $37,423* | — | $12,000* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Computer User Support Specialists
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Farm and Home Management Educators
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 Itawamba Community College, approximately 46% 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 national median of 16 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.