Agricultural Business and Management at University of Maryland-College Park

UMD's Agricultural Business and Management program produces graduates earning significantly more than the national norm—$53,081 versus $48,338 nationally—landing in the 87th percentile among ag business programs nationwide. The $20,000 median debt sits right at the national average, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. Within Maryland, where only two schools offer this major, UMD sits at the 60th percentile, though that comparison is less meaningful given the tiny market.

The 10% earnings growth from year one to year four ($58,144) suggests graduates are building careers with staying power, not just landing entry-level jobs that plateau. For a field often associated with rural settings and lower costs of living, these earnings are competitive, especially from a flagship university that provides strong alumni networks and access to both agricultural policy work in nearby Washington, D.C., and the robust Mid-Atlantic food production sector.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two high earners could skew the picture considerably. Still, the combination of modest debt, above-average earnings, and steady growth makes this look like a solid choice for students genuinely interested in the business side of agriculture—just recognize you're looking at a very small cohort where individual outcomes may vary more than usual.