Analysis
Starting an agriculture career from a Stamford location presents an unusual challenge. While peer programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $39,000 with debt near $21,000—a manageable 0.52 ratio—the real question is whether pursuing this degree at UConn's Stamford campus makes geographic sense. Agriculture employers are concentrated in rural areas, yet this campus sits in Connecticut's densest urban corridor, where the industry footprint is minimal. Similar bachelor's programs nationally show consistent but modest starting salaries, and that $39,000 goes further in farm country than in the expensive Stamford area.
The estimated debt figure suggests a relatively affordable path, but Connecticut offers only five agriculture programs statewide, and none with published outcomes to benchmark against. For half the students here receiving Pell grants, the disconnect between campus location and career opportunities deserves serious consideration. You'd likely need to relocate after graduation anyway to find relevant agricultural work, adding moving costs to an already tight early-career budget.
If your child is committed to agriculture, investigate whether UConn offers this degree at their main Storrs campus instead, where agricultural research facilities, industry connections, and proximity to actual farmland would provide far more relevant preparation. The estimated numbers suggest financial viability, but context matters—and studying agriculture from an urban satellite campus may limit both the educational experience and employment network your child needs.
Where University of Connecticut-Stamford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agriculture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agriculture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,472 | $39,438* | — | $20,625* | — | |
| $11,075 | $64,786* | $57,972 | $21,903* | 0.34 | |
| $13,099 | $59,625* | $56,790 | $18,585* | 0.31 | |
| $10,857 | $55,828* | — | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,852 | $54,596* | $42,800 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $66,014 | $53,465* | $48,476 | $15,599* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $39,438* | — | $20,625* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agriculture graduates
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Animal Scientists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Soil and Plant Scientists
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Connecticut-Stamford, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.