Agricultural Business and Management at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State's agricultural business program delivers solid financial outcomes at a manageable debt level, though it trails other Texas A&M system schools. Graduates earn $47,907 in their first year—slightly below the state median of $49,208—but see steady 15% earnings growth to $55,294 by year four. The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas agricultural business programs, behind West Texas A&M, Texas A&M-College Station, and Texas Tech, but well ahead of Texas State.

The debt picture makes this program more appealing than the earnings alone suggest. At $20,643, graduates carry roughly 43% of their first-year salary in debt, which is manageable for an agricultural field where returns can take time to materialize. This is on par with the state median debt of $20,312, and the earnings growth pattern suggests graduates are building careers rather than hitting early ceilings.

For families looking at agricultural business in Texas, Sam Houston State represents a reasonable middle-tier option—not the strongest earner in the state, but far from the weakest, with debt that won't hamstring young graduates. If your student is deciding between Sam Houston State and similar regional schools like Tarleton State, the outcomes are comparable enough that location and program fit should drive the choice.