Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree) at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,521

Est. from MN median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,000

Est. from national median (64 programs)

Analysis

Agricultural business programs in Minnesota cluster tightly around $49,500 in first-year earnings, and MSU-Mankato's estimated outcomes align squarely with this state norm. Based on similar programs at public universities nationwide, graduates here likely face around $20,000 in debt—a manageable load that would translate to roughly $223 in monthly loan payments. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 sits comfortably within sustainable territory, meaning loan payments shouldn't crowd out other financial goals in those early career years.

The bigger picture looks solid too. The estimated first-year salary matches what agricultural business grads typically earn nationally ($48,338), and Minnesota's ag sector provides reasonable pathways into farm management, agribusiness sales, and agricultural lending. However, it's worth noting that programs at this level rarely produce dramatic earnings growth—the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports outcomes only about $3,600 higher, suggesting this field rewards experience and specialization more than institutional prestige.

For families comfortable with the inherent uncertainty of estimated data, this program appears to offer fair value: accessible admission, modest debt loads typical of the field, and earnings that should support loan repayment without financial strain. The real variable will be your child's ability to secure relevant internships and build industry connections, which matter more in agricultural business than the specific campus they attend.

Where Minnesota State University-Mankato Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato	$9,490	$49,521*	—	$20,000*	—
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis	$16,488	$53,160*	$64,788	$21,500*	0.40
Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall	$10,304	$49,521*	$48,646	—*	—
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston	$13,120	$46,845*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$48,338*	—	$20,000*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Minnesota State University-Mankato, approximately 20% 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 median of 3 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.