Agricultural Business and Management at Oregon State University

Oregon State's Agricultural Business and Management program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide in earnings outcomes, with graduates earning $52,031 straight out of school—nearly $4,000 above the national median. The debt burden is manageable at $17,666, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34. That means graduates owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary, well below concerning thresholds. With only two programs in Oregon, the state comparison is limited, but Oregon State matches the state median while significantly exceeding national norms.

The trajectory looks solid: earnings climb 22% to $63,336 by year four, suggesting real career progression rather than a quick plateau. This growth pattern is particularly meaningful in agricultural business, where hands-on experience and industry connections typically drive advancement. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these figures without the volatility of very small cohorts.

For families evaluating ag business programs, Oregon State delivers strong relative value. The combination of above-average earnings, below-median debt, and steady income growth makes this a financially sound choice—especially for Oregon residents who benefit from in-state tuition. The program's performance in the top 20% nationally suggests employers value these graduates, which matters in a specialized field where reputation and networks drive opportunities.