Analysis
Based on comparable agricultural business programs in Texas, Stephen F. Austin graduates likely face a manageable financial picture—estimated debt of around $20,300 against first-year earnings near $49,200. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years while building their careers in agribusiness, farm management, or related fields.
The estimated earnings align closely with both state and national medians for this major, which hover around $48,000-$49,000. Texas offers a robust agricultural economy, and programs across the state show relatively consistent outcomes, from Tarleton State at $45,000 to West Texas A&M at nearly $53,000. Stephen F. Austin's position in the heart of East Texas timber country may offer unique connections to forestry and land management sectors that complement traditional agricultural business training.
The real limitation here is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt estimated from peer programs rather than tracked outcomes for Stephen F. Austin specifically, you're investing based on what similar programs typically deliver, not what this school has actually produced. For a field where local industry connections and internship networks matter considerably, verify what agricultural employers recruit from this campus and whether the program maintains relationships with regional cooperatives, timber companies, and agribusinesses that could translate estimated outcomes into actual career placement.
Where Stephen F Austin State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,600 | $49,208* | — | $20,313* | — | |
| $9,101 | $52,749* | $55,175 | $19,125* | 0.36 | |
| $13,099 | $50,509* | $63,533 | $20,125* | 0.40 | |
| $11,852 | $50,509* | $71,893 | $19,588* | 0.39 | |
| $9,228 | $47,907* | $55,294 | $20,643* | 0.43 | |
| $7,878 | $45,097* | $49,434 | $21,500* | 0.48 | |
| National Median | — | $48,338* | — | $20,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Computer User Support Specialists
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Farm and Home Management Educators
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 Stephen F Austin State University, approximately 37% 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 median of 6 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.