Agricultural Public Services at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's Agricultural Public Services program graduates earn roughly 10% more than the national median right out of the gate, starting at $48,092—a figure that jumps to nearly $60,000 by year four. That's solid growth in a field where starting salaries can vary widely depending on whether graduates land in government agencies, nonprofits, or private sector roles. The $17,460 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below concerning thresholds and notably lower than the national program median of $19,500.

The state comparison here is limited since UW-Madison appears to be the only Wisconsin institution offering this specific bachelor's program, which means it essentially sets the state benchmark. More telling is the national picture: this program ranks in the 73rd percentile for earnings against 36 other schools offering similar degrees. Parents should recognize that Agricultural Public Services isn't a path to six-figure salaries, but it does lead to stable work in cooperative extension, agricultural policy, or rural development—fields with consistent demand and meaningful missions. The moderate sample size suggests this is a smaller program, which often means more direct faculty interaction.

For families interested in agriculture but less drawn to production farming or hard science roles, this offers a practical route into the public service side of the industry with debt that won't dominate a graduate's budget.