Agricultural Business and Management at Texas State University

Texas State's agricultural business program starts graduates at $37,574—well below both the Texas median ($49,208) and national benchmark ($48,338) for this degree. While there's respectable 36% earnings growth over four years, the fourth-year median of $50,978 only brings graduates to rough parity with what peers from programs like Texas A&M and Texas Tech earn right out of the gate. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within Texas suggests this program significantly underperforms its competition, even at a state where ag business is a natural career path.

The $20,500 debt load is manageable on paper—right at the national median—but less so when paired with below-market starting salaries. A 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it means graduates will likely spend more years paying down loans than peers from stronger programs who command higher starting pay. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty: these numbers might not be stable year-over-year, making the program an even riskier bet.

For families considering Texas schools, this is a clear case where the state's other options deliver better outcomes. If your child is serious about agricultural business, programs at West Texas A&M ($52,749 starting) or Texas A&M-College Station offer stronger earning potential that justifies similar debt levels. Texas State may be more accessible with its 89% admission rate, but accessibility doesn't equal good value when career outcomes lag this far behind.