Analysis
University of Florida's Agricultural Business and Management program delivers solid outcomes with manageable debtβa straightforward value proposition for students interested in the agricultural sector. Graduates earn $49,371 in their first year, which sits comfortably above the national median of $48,338 for this degree. The debt load of $16,218 is notably lower than the national median of $20,000, creating a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. This means graduates owe about four months' worth of their first-year salary, giving them breathing room as they launch their careers.
What makes this program particularly attractive is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median earnings climb to $57,602βa 17% increase that suggests real career progression in agricultural business. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's agricultural business degrees, there are only three such programs statewide, so this comparison has limited meaning. More telling is that UF performs near the middle of the pack nationally despite having strong admission standards (24% acceptance rate, 1397 average SAT).
For families weighing this option, the math works cleanly: moderate debt, above-average starting earnings, and meaningful salary growth over time. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these numbers are reliable, not anomalies. If your child is genuinely interested in agricultural business, UF offers a low-risk path into the field without the debt burden that makes other programs risky bets.
Where University of Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Florida 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 Florida | $49,371 | $57,602 | +17% |
| Cornell University | $92,163 | $113,850 | +24% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $52,778 | $78,364 | +48% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $55,934 | $74,858 | +34% |
| Texas Tech University | $50,509 | $71,893 | +42% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,381 | $49,371 | $57,602 | $16,218 | 0.33 | |
| $66,014 | $92,163 | $113,850 | $13,258 | 0.14 | |
| $8,302 | $61,152 | $59,416 | β | β | |
| $10,857 | $59,953 | $62,322 | $19,500 | 0.33 | |
| $14,130 | $58,335 | $59,013 | $17,499 | 0.30 | |
| $15,988 | $57,023 | $65,269 | $24,125 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | β | $48,338 | β | $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 Florida, approximately 22% 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 119 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.