Agricultural Business and Management at North Dakota State College of Science

North Dakota State College of Science's agricultural business program launches graduates into strong early careers, with first-year earnings of $48,646 placing them in the 95th percentile nationally—well above the typical $37,423 for this degree. The $11,956 in median debt translates to just three months of earnings, making this one of the lowest-risk investments in agricultural education. Among North Dakota's five ag business programs, this one sits comfortably in the middle at the 60th percentile, but notably outperforms competitors like Bismarck State College by more than $10,000 annually.

The wrinkle is the earnings trajectory: graduates see incomes drop to $43,988 by year four, a 10% decline that's unusual for this field. This could reflect career pivots, entrepreneurial ventures with variable early returns, or seasonal fluctuations in agricultural income—all common in farming communities. However, even with this dip, graduates still earn more than most peers nationwide and maintain income levels above the state median.

For families in North Dakota's agricultural regions, this program offers accessible entry into the industry with minimal financial risk. The low debt burden provides crucial flexibility whether your child stays in traditional ag business roles or eventually transitions to farm ownership or related ventures.