Location: Raleigh, NC•In-State Tuition: $8,895•Out-of-State Tuition: $31,767•Admission Rate: 40%•Avg SAT: 1380
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,189
Est. from national median (17 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,123
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's degree in Agricultural Production Operations from NC State carries an estimated $22,123 in debt—a relatively modest burden compared to many fields. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $38,000, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. That means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary, which is well within the range financial aid experts consider sustainable. The challenge is that similar programs in North Carolina, like the one at University of Mount Olive, report higher earnings at nearly $42,000, suggesting NC State's agricultural graduates may start slightly behind their in-state peers.

The path forward depends on what you value. NC State's selective admissions (40% acceptance rate, 1380 average SAT) and research focus bring advantages that may not show up immediately in first-year paychecks—stronger alumni networks, access to advanced facilities, and credentials that could matter for graduate school or specialized agricultural careers. But if maximizing early earnings is the priority, the data suggests other options in North Carolina might deliver better immediate returns. The debt level is reasonable enough that this program won't create financial hardship, but parents should understand they're betting on NC State's brand and resources to differentiate their graduate over time rather than delivering standout starting salaries.

Where North Carolina State University at Raleigh Stands

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

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural production operations programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Agricultural Production Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$8,895$38,189*—$22,123*—
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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh, approximately 19% 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.