Agricultural Business and Management (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Ridgewater College

Analysis

Ridgewater College's ag business certificate punches well above its weight nationally, landing in the 95th percentile for earnings among similar programs. With first-year graduates earning $44,875 and owing just $10,697—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24—students clear their debt burden in roughly three months of work. That's exceptional for any credential, let alone a certificate program.

Within Minnesota, the picture is more nuanced. Ridgewater sits at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning students can find higher-earning options if they're willing to compare. Still, the absolute numbers tell a strong story: earnings climb to over $49,000 by year four, representing solid 9% growth, while the debt load remains manageable across the board. For a certificate that gets students into the workforce quickly, this trajectory is reassuring.

The real question is whether your student needs a bachelor's degree or if this shorter credential makes sense. If they're ready to work in Minnesota's agricultural sector and want to avoid the time and expense of a four-year program, Ridgewater delivers practical training with minimal financial risk. The earnings may not be spectacular by state standards, but the low debt and quick entry into the field create a foundation that many four-year graduates would envy.

Where Ridgewater College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ridgewater College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Business and Management certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Ridgewater CollegeWillmar	$6,109	$44,875	$49,099	$10,697	0.24
Northeast Iowa Community CollegeCalmar	$6,600	$40,955	—	—	—
National Median	—	$42,915	—	$10,697	0.25

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

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 Ridgewater College, approximately 34% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.