Agricultural Business and Management at Michigan State University

Michigan State's agricultural business program places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings—impressive until you consider they're the only game in town for this degree in Michigan. That $57,023 starting salary beats the national median by nearly $9,000, but without in-state competitors, it's hard to gauge whether MSU is truly delivering premium value or simply benefiting from Michigan's agricultural economy and the university's strong industry connections.

The financial picture itself is solid: graduates carry $24,125 in debt against first-year earnings of $57,000, yielding a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio. Earnings grow 15% by year four, reaching $65,269—a trajectory that suggests graduates are building valuable careers rather than hitting immediate plateaus. The debt load, while slightly above the national median, remains reasonable given the earning power.

The real question is whether MSU's relatively accessible admissions (84% acceptance rate) and this program's strong outcomes make it worth attending versus out-of-state options that might cost more or less. For Michigan residents paying in-state tuition, this is likely a straightforward yes—you're getting top-tier national outcomes without the risk of moving to an unfamiliar agricultural market. Out-of-state students should weigh whether MSU's agricultural industry connections justify the higher tuition premium over comparable programs in their home states.