Agricultural Business and Management at University of Arizona

University of Arizona graduates in agricultural business start near the state and national median at $48,800, but what sets this program apart is the trajectory: earnings jump 28% to over $62,000 by year four, outpacing typical growth in this field. At 60th percentile among Arizona programs (though admittedly there are only two schools offering this degree in-state), these graduates are positioned slightly above their peers, with that gap widening as careers develop.

The debt picture is exceptionally favorable. At $24,200, graduates carry a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.50—meaning they owe about six months' salary. This ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, which translates to one of the lowest debt loads you'll find for this degree. For context, the typical ag business graduate nationwide carries $20,000, so while Arizona's is slightly higher, the combination of strong mid-career earnings growth and manageable debt creates breathing room most programs don't offer.

The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably stable, though not as robust as larger programs. For families concerned about career advancement in agricultural business—where experience and industry connections often drive earnings—this program demonstrates that graduates aren't plateauing early. They're building momentum into their late twenties, which matters more than a flashy starting salary.