Agricultural Business and Management at The University of Tennessee-Martin

UT-Martin's agricultural business program starts graduates at $36,242—roughly $12,000 below the national median and $7,000 below Tennessee's state average. While this ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, it's worth noting that only three Tennessee schools offer this major, and UT-Martin sits in the middle of that small pack. Still, Middle Tennessee State grads in the same program earn $50,013 their first year, demonstrating that significantly stronger outcomes are achievable within the state.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $19,928, it's exactly on par with both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. Graduates can realistically manage these loan payments on their starting salaries, even if those salaries lag behind peers. The moderate sample size suggests these figures reflect a typical graduate experience rather than statistical noise.

For families considering agricultural careers, this program presents a straightforward tradeoff. You're looking at manageable debt but earnings that start low and will likely require supplementation through career advancement or additional credentials. If staying in rural West Tennessee matters for lifestyle or family reasons, UT-Martin provides affordable access to the field. If maximizing earning potential is the priority, MTSU's program delivers $14,000 more in first-year earnings—a substantial difference that compounds over a career.