Analysis
Southern Utah's agriculture program delivers first-year earnings of $41,071—meaningfully above the national median of $39,438 and landing graduates in the 58th percentile nationwide. That's a solid start for a bachelor's in a field where practical skills often matter more than prestige, though the estimated debt of $20,625 (based on national patterns for similar schools) creates a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be manageable within standard repayment windows.
The challenge with this program is the limited data visibility—small graduate cohorts mean we're working with estimated debt figures rather than school-specific outcomes. What we do know is encouraging: graduates are earning slightly more than peers nationally, and the 60th percentile ranking in Utah suggests competitive placement within the state's small agriculture education market. However, without reported debt data specific to SUU, it's harder to gauge whether students here are taking on typical loads or facing unique financial pressures.
For families evaluating this path, the earnings advantage over national benchmarks provides some cushion, but agriculture careers can vary wildly in compensation depending on specialization—ranch management, agribusiness, and soil science lead to different financial trajectories. Confirm whether SUU's program aligns with higher-earning specializations, and press the school for specifics on graduate debt loads and job placement before committing.
Where Southern Utah University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agriculture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Utah University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agriculture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,770 | $41,071 | — | $20,625* | — | |
| $11,075 | $64,786 | $57,972 | $21,903* | 0.34 | |
| $13,099 | $59,625 | $56,790 | $18,585* | 0.31 | |
| $10,857 | $55,828 | — | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,852 | $54,596 | $42,800 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $66,014 | $53,465 | $48,476 | $15,599* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $39,438 | — | $20,625* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agriculture graduates
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Animal Scientists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Soil and Plant Scientists
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
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 Utah University, approximately 24% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.