Location: Bozeman, MT•In-State Tuition: $8,083•Out-of-State Tuition: $31,337•Admission Rate: 87%•Avg SAT: 1154
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,189
Est. from national median (17 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,123
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

Similar agricultural production programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,000—a modest start that reflects the realities of entry-level positions in farming, ranching, and agribusiness. Paired with an estimated $22,000 in debt, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, which means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. While this ratio falls within manageable territory by standard lending guidelines, it leaves little cushion for the financial uncertainties common in agriculture.

Montana State is the only school in the state offering this bachelor's program, which speaks to both opportunity and risk. Students gain access to MSU's strong agricultural networks and Montana's farming community without needing to leave the state. However, the suppressed data—too few graduates to report outcomes—suggests this is a small program, which could mean limited course offerings or fewer specialized tracks compared to larger agricultural schools elsewhere.

The practical challenge: agriculture often rewards experience and land access more than credentials alone, and starting salaries rarely capture the full financial picture for those returning to family operations or building their own enterprises. If your child is committed to Montana agriculture and values staying local, this program provides relevant training. But if they're unsure about the sector or exploring options, programs with documented outcomes at larger agricultural schools might offer more clarity about what to expect post-graduation.

Where Montana State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural production operations bachelors's programs nationally

Montana State University (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural production operations programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Production Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Montana State UniversityBozeman$8,083$38,189*—$22,123*—
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$62,869*$67,867$23,250*0.37
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$56,835*—$15,211*0.27
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$56,743*$50,640$17,395*0.31
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$47,297*——*—
University of Mount OliveMount Olive$25,950$41,737*——*—
National Median—$38,189*—$22,123*0.58
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural production operations graduates

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:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Animal Breeders

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

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 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 Montana State University, approximately 17% 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 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.