Location: Brookings, SD•In-State Tuition: $9,299•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,809•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1121
Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,222
74th percentile
Median Debt
$22,557
13% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.44 ManageableSample: 67 graduates

Analysis

South Dakota State delivers solid agricultural business outcomes with manageable debt, though students should note this is one of the more expensive ag business programs nationally. Starting at $51,222—above the $48,338 national median—graduates carry $22,557 in debt, which puts them in the 19th percentile nationally (meaning 81% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means most graduates will repay loans comfortably within standard timelines.

The 74th percentile national earnings ranking tells an important story: this program outperforms three-quarters of ag business degrees nationwide. Earnings climb 8% to $55,074 by year four, suggesting steady career progression in agricultural management, lending, or agribusiness roles. Given South Dakota's agricultural economy, these numbers reflect strong regional employer connections and real job placement.

For families considering an ag business degree, particularly those planning to stay in the Upper Midwest, this program justifies the investment. The combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt load creates a reliable foundation. Just understand you're paying slightly more upfront than at some programs—but the earnings premium makes that tradeoff worthwhile for students serious about agricultural careers.

Where South Dakota State University Stands

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

South Dakota State UniversityOther agricultural business and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How South Dakota State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

South Dakota State University earns $51k — 74th percentile among agricultural business and management bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
South Dakota State University$51,222$55,074+8%
Cornell University$92,163$113,850+24%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$52,778$78,364+48%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$55,934$74,858+34%
Texas Tech University$50,509$71,893+42%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings$9,299$51,222$55,074$22,5570.44
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$92,163$113,850$13,2580.14
University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney$8,302$61,152$59,416——
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$59,953$62,322$19,5000.33
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia$14,130$58,335$59,013$17,4990.30
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$57,023$65,269$24,1250.42
National Median—$48,338—$20,0000.41

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 South Dakota State University, approximately 16% 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 67 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.