Analysis
UConn's agricultural business program hits a sweet spot that anxious parents should appreciate: manageable debt paired with solid earnings growth. At $23,000 in student loans, graduates carry roughly half their first-year salary in debt—a healthy ratio that puts this program in the 11th percentile nationally for debt burden. That's significant breathing room compared to many bachelor's programs where debt can equal or exceed annual earnings.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While $45,435 starting out trails the national median by about $3,000, graduates see 14% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $52,000. Within Connecticut's limited agricultural business landscape (only six schools offer this program), UConn sits right at the state median, meaning it's a competitive in-state option. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts.
For a family evaluating this investment, the math works: your child would enter a field with steady demand, manageable monthly loan payments, and clear income progression. The program won't lead to Silicon Valley-style salaries, but that's not the agricultural sector's reality anywhere. What matters is that UConn graduates aren't saddled with outsized debt relative to what they'll actually earn—a fundamental test of program value that this degree passes comfortably.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut | $45,435 | $51,900 | +14% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $45,435 | $51,900 | +14% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $45,435 | $51,900 | +14% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $45,435 | $51,900 | +14% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $45,435 | $51,900 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,366 | $45,435 | $51,900 | $23,000 | 0.51 | |
| $17,462 | $45,435 | $51,900 | $23,000 | 0.51 | |
| $17,462 | $45,435 | $51,900 | $23,000 | 0.51 | |
| $17,472 | $45,435 | $51,900 | $23,000 | 0.51 | |
| $17,452 | $45,435 | $51,900 | $23,000 | 0.51 | |
| National Median | — | $48,338 | — | $20,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Computer User Support Specialists
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Farm and Home Management Educators
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
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, approximately 24% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 55 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.