Agricultural Business and Management at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's Agricultural Business and Management program outperforms the vast majority of similar programs nationwide while keeping debt manageable. First-year graduates earn $52,804—beating 86% of ag business programs nationally and sitting well above the national median of $48,338. The $17,500 in typical debt translates to a 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about four months of salary, which is reasonable for a bachelor's degree. With only three ag business programs in Indiana, Purdue sits at the state median, but the real story is its national standing.

The earnings trajectory looks solid, with a 14% increase to $60,163 by year four. This suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers rather than plateauing early. The program benefits from Purdue's reputation in agriculture—a field where the university carries significant weight with employers across the Midwest and beyond.

For parents weighing ag business programs, this represents a clear win: strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and proven earnings growth. The selectivity (50% admission rate, 1342 SAT average) means your student will be challenged without facing impossible odds. If your child is serious about the business side of agriculture, Purdue delivers results that most competing programs can't match.