Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree) at Southern University and A & M College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,338

Est. from national median (77 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,000

Est. from national median (64 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable repayment, with estimated first-year earnings of $48,338 against $20,000 in debt for Southern University's Agricultural Business program. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates would need less than half a year's salary to cover their educational borrowing—a reasonable threshold by most measures. That said, Louisiana's agricultural business landscape tells a more challenging story, with the state's median earnings hovering around $43,834, about $4,500 below the national figure this estimate draws from.

The university's student profile—65% receiving Pell grants and a moderate admission rate—indicates strong access for students from lower-income backgrounds. For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures align with national norms but may overstate what Louisiana's agricultural sector actually delivers. With only four programs statewide and limited reported data, the local job market appears constrained compared to major agricultural states where these degrees typically lead to farm management, agribusiness sales, or commodity trading roles.

Given these estimates rely on peer programs rather than Southern's actual graduate outcomes, families should recognize they're making decisions with incomplete information about this specific program's track record. The financial picture appears workable if earnings materialize near national levels, but Louisiana's lower state median suggests graduates may need to look beyond state borders for the strongest opportunities in this field.

Where Southern University and A & M College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (4 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge	$9,940	$48,338*	—	$20,000*	—
University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe	$9,190	$43,834*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$48,338*	—	$20,000*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Southern University and A & M College, approximately 65% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 77 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.