Agricultural Business and Management at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Agricultural Business program puts graduates in a strong financial position nationally, with first-year earnings of $53,751 placing it in the 92nd percentile among all ag business programs. The debt load of $19,641 is modest—representing just 37% of first-year earnings—and graduates see steady income growth to $61,185 by year four. With robust sample sizes backing these figures, parents can trust these outcomes are typical rather than outliers.

The state-level picture requires some nuance. While K-State ranks 60th percentile among Kansas ag business programs, this reflects the state's strong agricultural education sector overall. The program still outperforms Kansas's median by nearly $3,400 in first-year earnings and leads the state's other major option (Fort Hays) by about $6,700 annually. For families considering in-state tuition, K-State remains the clear choice for maximizing earning potential in this field.

The combination of manageable debt, above-average starting salaries, and consistent income growth makes this a financially sound choice. Graduates aren't just landing jobs—they're building careers with meaningful wage progression. For students serious about agricultural business, particularly those staying in Kansas where the industry dominates the economy, this program delivers strong returns without burdening graduates with crushing debt.