Agricultural Business and Management at Texas A&M University-College Station
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Texas A&M's Agricultural Business program delivers solid returns that improve significantly over time. Graduates start at $50,509—above both the national median ($48,338) and Texas average ($49,208)—then see their earnings jump 26% to $63,533 by year four. This growth trajectory puts the program in the 68th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Texas, where it ranks among the top three programs statewide.
The debt picture is reasonable at $20,125, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. This means graduates typically earn about $2.50 for every dollar of debt, which compares favorably to many fields. The debt load sits right at national and state medians, so you're not paying a premium for the Texas A&M name in this program.
For parents considering agricultural business, this program offers a compelling combination of steady starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and moderate debt. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers, and Texas A&M's established industry connections in agriculture provide clear career pathways. This represents a practical choice for students interested in the business side of agriculture.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all agricultural business and management bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $50,509 | $63,533 | $20,125 | 0.40 |
| West Texas A & M University | $52,749 | $55,175 | $19,125 | 0.36 |
| Texas Tech University | $50,509 | $71,893 | $19,588 | 0.39 |
| Sam Houston State University | $47,907 | $55,294 | $20,643 | 0.43 |
| Tarleton State University | $45,097 | $49,434 | $21,500 | 0.48 |
| Texas State University | $37,574 | $50,978 | $20,500 | 0.55 |
| National Median | $48,338 | — | $20,000 | 0.41 |
Other Agricultural Business and Management Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Texas A & M University Canyon | $9,101 | $52,749 | $19,125 |
| Texas Tech University Lubbock | $11,852 | $50,509 | $19,588 |
| Sam Houston State University Huntsville | $9,228 | $47,907 | $20,643 |
| Tarleton State University Stephenville | $7,878 | $45,097 | $21,500 |
| Texas State University San Marcos | $11,450 | $37,574 | $20,500 |
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 Texas A&M University-College Station, approximately 19% 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 345 graduates with reported earnings and 346 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.