Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,929
Est. from national median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,270
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

Oklahoma State's agricultural mechanization program shows promise based on what similar programs across the country typically deliver. The estimated $58,929 first-year salary tracks with the national median for this specialized degree, suggesting Oklahoma State likely prepares students in line with industry standards. With an estimated debt load of $20,270, graduates would face monthly payments around $225—roughly 5% of their gross monthly income, well within the conventional affordability threshold.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates a manageable financial position, though the small number of comparison programs nationally (just 23 schools offer this major) means outcomes can vary significantly based on regional agricultural industries and equipment dealers. Oklahoma's strong agricultural economy—particularly in wheat, cattle, and increasingly high-tech precision farming—could position graduates well for careers in equipment sales, farm management, or agricultural technology. The fact that this is the only bachelor's program of its kind in Oklahoma also suggests less in-state competition for graduates.

The challenge here is uncertainty. These estimates come from peer programs because too few students complete this degree at Oklahoma State for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That could mean it's a small, selective cohort heading into good opportunities, or it could reflect volatility in student interest. For families confident their student wants to work in agricultural technology or equipment, the projected earnings and modest debt suggest reasonable value—but understand you're extrapolating from limited comparable data.

Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Mechanization bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$58,929*—$20,270*—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$73,053*——*—
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville$9,228$63,369*——*—
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$63,321*$66,079$20,946*0.33
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$63,239*—$19,344*0.31
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$59,052*$69,020$23,750*0.40
National Median—$58,929*—$20,270*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural mechanization graduates

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:

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.

$62,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% 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 10 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.