Agriculture at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's agriculture graduates start at $41,084—outperforming both the state median ($36,692) and the national average ($39,438). In a state with only two agriculture programs, NC State ranks 60th percentile, offering a measurably stronger outcome than North Carolina A&T's $32,301. The debt load of $19,000 is also notably lighter than both the state median ($23,642) and national average ($20,625), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46.

The practical advantage here is clear: your child would graduate owing less than one half-year's salary while earning more than peers from competing programs. That's a solid starting position for a field where many graduates pursue careers in agribusiness, farm management, or agricultural research. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than outlier results.

For families considering agriculture degrees in North Carolina, NC State delivers the state's strongest combination of earnings and manageable debt. The program positions graduates competitively without the financial burden that often accompanies specialized technical degrees.