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

Analysis

Kirkwood's agricultural business program delivers a solid return, particularly given the modest debt load. Graduates earn $40,835 in their first year—about $3,400 more than the national median for this associate degree—while borrowing just $11,000. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income, making this one of the more financially accessible pathways in agricultural business.

Within Iowa, the picture is more nuanced. Kirkwood sits right at the state median for earnings, and Hawkeye Community College's graduates earn about $6,600 more annually. Still, Kirkwood's lower debt (compared to the $12,000 national median) gives it an edge for students prioritizing quick debt payoff. For families in the Cedar Rapids area, the combination of reasonable tuition and immediate earning potential makes this a practical choice, especially for students looking to enter agribusiness quickly.

One important caveat: the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data. If your child is seriously considering this program, it's worth connecting with current students to understand whether typical graduates are entering farm management, agribusiness sales, or other roles—the career path matters as much as the starting salary.

Where Kirkwood Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Kirkwood Community College graduates compare to all 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
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$40,835	—	$11,000	0.27
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo	$6,308	$47,472	$42,239	—	—
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny	$5,550	$40,506	$49,112	$9,000	0.22
National Median	—	$37,423	—	$12,000	0.32

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 Kirkwood Community College, approximately 24% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.