Agriculture at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Oregon State's agriculture program at its Cascades campus stands out for an unusual combination: below-average starting debt paired with earnings that accelerate faster than most ag programs nationwide. While the $39,145 first-year salary lands right at the national median, graduates see their income jump 28% by year four—reaching $50,111. That growth trajectory outpaces typical agriculture degree holders and suggests graduates are moving into management or specialized roles relatively quickly.

The debt picture deserves emphasis here. At $26,000, graduates owe less than two-thirds of their first-year salary—well below the concerning threshold that makes loan repayment burdensome. This puts the program in the 17th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 83% of agriculture programs saddle students with more borrowing. Among Oregon's limited agriculture options (just three programs statewide), this performs at the 60th percentile for earnings, though all three schools show identical first-year numbers in the data.

For families weighing this investment, the moderate debt combined with strong earnings growth creates a manageable path forward. The sample size is moderate but sufficient to draw conclusions. The real question is whether your student plans to stay in agriculture long-term—those who do appear to see meaningful income progression, while the relatively accessible admission rate means qualified applicants have a realistic shot at enrollment.