Location: Moscow, ID•In-State Tuition: $8,816•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,784•Admission Rate: 79%•Avg SAT: 1088
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,189
Est. from national median (17 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,123
Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

A Bachelor's in Agricultural Production Operations from University of Idaho carries an estimated $22,123 in debt—a manageable sum for any four-year degree, though the accompanying first-year earnings picture requires closer examination. Peer programs nationally suggest starting salaries around $38,189, which creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. That's reasonable on paper, but agriculture careers often follow unpredictable paths depending on commodity prices, land ownership, and regional opportunities that standardized data struggles to capture.

Idaho's agricultural economy is robust, particularly in dairy, potatoes, and livestock, which could benefit graduates who stay in-state. However, with Moscow located in the Palouse region—prime wheat and legume country—your child's career trajectory may depend heavily on family connections to farming operations or willingness to relocate. Similar programs nationally show earnings clustering tightly between $38,000 and $42,000 in the first year, suggesting limited upside without additional experience or business ownership.

The debt load won't be crushing, but first-year earnings below $40,000 mean your child should have a clear plan for how this degree connects to actual employment or family operations. If they're returning to an established farm, the credential adds value through modern techniques and business training. If they're starting from scratch in agriculture, the modest earnings trajectory means patience will be essential.

Where University of Idaho Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural production operations bachelors's programs nationally

University of Idaho (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural production operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Production Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of IdahoMoscow$8,816$38,189*—$22,123*—
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$62,869*$67,867$23,250*0.37
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$56,835*—$15,211*0.27
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$56,743*$50,640$17,395*0.31
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$47,297*——*—
University of Mount OliveMount Olive$25,950$41,737*——*—
National Median—$38,189*—$22,123*0.58
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural production operations graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Animal Breeders

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related 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 Idaho, approximately 23% 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 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.