Agriculture at Southern University and A & M College

Southern University's agriculture program shows graduates earning $30,865 initially—well below the national median of $39,438—but there's an important Louisiana context here. This program actually ranks in the 60th percentile among the state's four agriculture programs, essentially performing at the state median. For families considering in-state options, that positions it as a middle-of-the-road choice rather than a weak one. The $28,250 in typical debt sits above both state and national averages, though the 0.92 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's salary, which is manageable.

The real question is whether agriculture degrees in Louisiana generally underperform—and the answer appears to be yes. Even the top program in the state (McNeese at $37,887) trails the national median. What partially offsets this concern is the strong earnings trajectory: graduates see 38% income growth by year four, reaching $42,712. That's meaningful career progression that narrows the gap with national benchmarks.

The caveat matters here: with fewer than 30 graduates in this sample, these figures could swing significantly year to year. For families whose child is committed to agriculture and staying in Louisiana, this program delivers competitive in-state outcomes with reasonable debt. But if your student has options at schools posting earnings closer to the national median—or in states where agriculture careers pay better—those warrant serious consideration.