Agricultural Production Operations at Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood's agricultural program delivers exceptional value that flies under the radar. Graduates earn nearly $10,000 more than the typical associate's degree holder in this field nationwide, placing them in the 95th percentile. At just $10,000 in median debt—about one-quarter of first-year earnings—students face minimal financial burden while entering a field with steady income growth. Within four years, earnings climb to nearly $45,000, a solid trajectory for a two-year degree.

The state context reveals interesting nuances. While Kirkwood ranks at the 60th percentile within Iowa, that's actually a testament to the strength of Iowa's agricultural programs overall. The state median earnings match Kirkwood's exactly, suggesting this isn't underperformance but rather competitive parity in a state where ag education is taken seriously. For families considering agricultural careers, the choice matters less between Iowa schools than choosing this path at all—Iowa programs collectively outperform national counterparts by a significant margin.

For students planning to stay in the Midwest and work in production agriculture, this program offers immediate employment readiness with minimal debt. The combination of strong starting wages and low borrowing makes this one of the more financially sensible associate's degrees available.