Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's agriculture and veterinary preparatory program sits in an unusual position: it's the stronger of only two such programs in Delaware, yet its graduates earn less than the national median for this field. At $29,598 one year after graduation, earnings fall in just the 37th percentile nationally, trailing the typical program by nearly $700. Given that Delaware State University is the only in-state alternative, this relative ranking matters less than the absolute numbers—and those numbers tell a straightforward story about graduate school preparation rather than immediate career launches.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $25,334, graduates carry slightly more than the national median but land in the 25th percentile for debt burden—meaning three-quarters of similar programs saddle students with more loans. The 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming for what's essentially a pre-professional track. Most students in agriculture and veterinary preparatory programs pursue advanced degrees, where the real earnings potential emerges. That first-year salary reflects entry-level agricultural work or gap-year positions before vet school, not career endpoints.

For parents whose children are genuinely headed to veterinary or graduate school, the moderate debt load matters more than the modest starting salary. But if your student isn't committed to further education, this program leaves them earning below what they'd make in most agriculture-focused bachelor's programs nationally—making career clarity essential before enrollment.