Agriculture at The University of Tennessee-Martin

UT Martin's agriculture program outearns every other ag program in Tennessee, with graduates earning $45,729 four years out—about $12,000 more than the state median for this degree. That 60th percentile ranking among Tennessee programs translates to real dollars: graduates here make roughly $14,000 more annually than those from Austin Peay and edge out Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech as well. For a state school with an 87% acceptance rate, this represents surprisingly strong placement outcomes in agriculture careers.

The $19,500 in median debt sits just below the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. Graduates can expect to pay off loans within a year or two while maintaining a reasonable standard of living. The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are advancing into supervisory roles or specialized positions rather than plateauing at entry-level farm work. With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than a few outliers.

For families considering agriculture degrees in Tennessee, this is the clear leader among in-state options. The program combines accessible admission standards with top-tier state earnings, making it a practical choice for students committed to agricultural careers who want to stay close to home and avoid excessive debt.