Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree) at Sam Houston State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$47,907

47th percentile

40th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$20,643

3% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Sam Houston State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Sam Houston State University	$47,907	$55,294	+15%
Texas Tech University	$50,509	$71,893	+42%
Texas A&M University-College Station	$50,509	$63,533	+26%
West Texas A & M University	$52,749	$55,175	+5%
Texas State University	$37,574	$50,978	+36%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville	$9,228	$47,907	$55,294	$20,643	0.43
West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon	$9,101	$52,749	$55,175	$19,125	0.36
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$50,509	$63,533	$20,125	0.40
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock	$11,852	$50,509	$71,893	$19,588	0.39
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville	$7,878	$45,097	$49,434	$21,500	0.48
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos	$11,450	$37,574	$50,978	$20,500	0.55
National Median	—	$48,338	—	$20,000	0.41

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 Sam Houston State University, approximately 40% 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 48 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.