Agricultural Business and Management at University of Connecticut-Avery Point

UConn-Avery Point's agricultural business program manages debt remarkably well—graduates carry $23,000 in loans (11th percentile nationally, meaning 89% of similar programs leave students with more debt), which translates to just six months of starting salary. That's a manageable burden, especially given the 14% earnings growth to nearly $52,000 by year four. However, first-year earnings of $45,435 trail the national median for this major by about $3,000, placing graduates in the 31st percentile nationally.

The state context tells a more nuanced story. With only six Connecticut schools offering this program, UConn-Avery Point sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt—essentially middle-of-the-pack locally, though this reflects Connecticut's limited agricultural business education landscape rather than standout performance. The degree serves students at an accessible campus (87% admission rate, serving a meaningful number of Pell-eligible students) who need flexibility, but the earnings data suggests graduates aren't commanding premium salaries in what can be a competitive field.

For parents, this comes down to career certainty. If your child has clear agricultural industry connections or specific career plans in agribusiness, the low debt load makes this a relatively safe bet. But the below-average national earnings should prompt serious conversation about post-graduation opportunities—internships, industry networks, and job placement support will matter significantly in determining whether this investment pays off.