Analysis
At $43,669 in first-year earnings, this agriculture degree performs well above the national median for the field, landing in the 71st percentile among bachelor's programs in agriculture nationwide. That's roughly $4,200 more than the typical graduate makes, which matters when you're starting a career in a traditionally moderate-earning field.
The estimated debt of $20,625—derived from similar bachelor's programs at the university—produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's manageable territory by any standard, and particularly favorable compared to many four-year programs. The combination of above-average earnings and moderate debt suggests Nebraska's ag program positions graduates reasonably well financially, though without school-specific debt data, there's uncertainty about whether individual students' borrowing might vary from this estimate.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's strength in agricultural education shows in these numbers—this is exactly the type of program where a land-grant flagship should excel. For families concerned about college ROI, an agriculture degree from Nebraska appears to deliver solid practical value, assuming the estimated debt figure holds true for actual graduates.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agriculture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates compare to all 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,108 | $43,669 | — | $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 Nebraska-Lincoln, 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 12 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.