Agricultural Production Operations at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's Agricultural Production Operations program leaves graduates earning well below what they'd make at most ag schools nationwide—landing in just the 11th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $29,231 versus the $38,189 national median. While the $27,000 debt load is relatively modest (lower than 95% of similar programs), starting nearly $9,000 behind peers at other schools creates a challenging financial foundation. The 25% earnings growth to $36,605 by year four helps, but graduates still trail the national median significantly.

The state comparison offers little guidance here—UNH is the only school in New Hampshire offering this bachelor's program. For families considering this degree, the key question is whether the university's resources and connections justify accepting substantially lower earnings than graduates see elsewhere. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a large program, which could mean either specialized attention or limited career infrastructure.

If agriculture is the goal and staying in New Hampshire matters, this may be your only in-state option. But families should seriously compare costs and outcomes with agricultural programs at land-grant universities in neighboring states, particularly if similar net prices are available through regional exchange programs. The earnings gap is too substantial to ignore without a compelling reason to choose UNH specifically.