Location: Statesville, NC•In-State Tuition: $2,651•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,795
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,423
Est. from national median (16 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,978
Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

The $12,000 in estimated debt here is manageable by any measure, but first-year earnings of around $37,400—drawn from peer programs nationally—trail what North Carolina's agricultural business graduates typically earn. NC State reports median earnings of nearly $42,000 for this same credential, a gap worth examining before committing to Mitchell's program.

That $4,500 difference matters when you're starting a career in agriculture. Similar programs across North Carolina suggest graduates in this field can command roughly 12% more in first-year earnings than what Mitchell's comparable data indicates. The debt load is reasonable at 0.32 times first-year earnings, which is far below concerning levels, but the income side of the equation raises questions about whether this particular pathway offers the strongest entry into agricultural business careers.

The practical question is whether Mitchell's location, connections to local agricultural employers, or specific program strengths justify choosing it despite lower estimated earnings compared to other NC options. If your child has strong ties to the Statesville area or specific reasons to attend Mitchell, the modest debt keeps the financial risk low. Otherwise, you'd want to understand what explains the earnings gap—and whether programs showing stronger outcomes provide better industry connections or more robust agricultural business curricula.

Where Mitchell Community College Stands

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

Mitchell Community College (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural business and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Agricultural Business and Management associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mitchell Community CollegeStatesville$2,651$37,423*—$11,978*—
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$8,895$41,966*$43,018$12,750*0.30
National Median—$37,423*—$12,000*0.32
* 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 Mitchell Community College, approximately 21% 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 national median of 16 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.