Agriculture at Truman State University

At just under $37,000 in first-year earnings, Truman State's agriculture program starts below both the national and Missouri medians—but that's only part of the story. Graduates see their incomes jump 33% by year four, reaching nearly $49,000, which outpaces the typical trajectory for ag majors. With debt under $20,000, the financial burden remains manageable even during those leaner early years, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that many other programs would envy.

Within Missouri, this program sits slightly below the middle of the pack for initial earnings, trailing both Mizzou and Northwest Missouri State by several thousand dollars. That gap matters if your student needs stronger immediate income to start paying down loans. However, Truman's moderate sample size and selectivity (SAT scores averaging 1249) suggest graduates may be entering roles with longer-term growth potential rather than immediately high-paying positions.

For families comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for solid debt levels and upward momentum, Truman's ag program works. But if your student needs stronger first-year earnings—perhaps to support themselves independently right after graduation—the state's flagship program offers a $5,000+ advantage out of the gate that shouldn't be overlooked.