Agriculture at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's agriculture program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, with graduates earning $39,696 in their first year—essentially matching the national median. Within Delaware, where only two schools offer this degree, it edges out Delaware State by about $800 annually while ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. For a selective public university with an average SAT of 1297, these are modest but stable outcomes in a field where earnings typically grow with experience and specialization.

The financial picture is notably better than many agriculture programs. At $24,372, the debt burden sits in the 30th percentile nationally—meaning 70% of comparable programs leave graduates with more debt. The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to roughly 7-8 months of gross income to cover the full debt load, which is manageable for entry-level agricultural work. This advantage matters in a field where starting salaries rarely break $45,000, even at top programs.

For Delaware families, this program represents a solid if unspectacular investment. Your child won't graduate with exceptional earning potential, but they also won't be crushed by debt while building a career in agriculture. The real value will depend on their specific interests—agribusiness, research, production—since agriculture degrees serve as launching pads rather than destinations. The moderate debt combined with University of Delaware's broader network makes this a reasonable choice for students committed to the field.