Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52—with estimated debt around $20,625 and first-year earnings near $39,438—suggests manageable borrowing for this field. Based on data from comparable agriculture bachelor's programs nationally, graduates typically earn enough to handle their debt without financial strain. This aligns with agriculture's reputation as a field with steady, if modest, entry-level compensation that grows with experience and specialization.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities brings significant advantages beyond what the numbers show. As the state's flagship land-grant institution with extensive agricultural research facilities and strong industry connections throughout the Midwest, students here gain access to resources that smaller programs can't match. The relatively high SAT average (1359) indicates academically capable peers, while the 77% admission rate means competitive but realistic chances for solid applicants.
The caveat: these figures represent national patterns rather than this program's specific outcomes, likely because graduate cohorts are too small for the Department of Education to report. For a practical next step, contact the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences directly to ask about recent graduate outcomes and career placement rates in areas like agribusiness, crop science, or agricultural technology—the specific concentration will heavily influence earning potential.
Where University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agriculture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agriculture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,488 | $39,438* | — | $20,625* | — | |
| $11,075 | $64,786* | $57,972 | $21,903* | 0.34 | |
| $13,099 | $59,625* | $56,790 | $18,585* | 0.31 | |
| $10,857 | $55,828* | — | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,852 | $54,596* | $42,800 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $66,014 | $53,465* | $48,476 | $15,599* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $39,438* | — | $20,625* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agriculture graduates
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Animal Scientists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Soil and Plant Scientists
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities, approximately 17% 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 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.