Location: Platteville, WI•In-State Tuition: $8,315•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,274•Admission Rate: 87%•Avg SAT: 1190
Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,473
95th percentile
Median Debt
$15,276
24% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.28 ManageableSample: 92 graduates

Analysis

UW-Platteville's agricultural business graduates earn $54,473 in their first year—outperforming 95% of similar programs nationwide and topping even UW-Madison's ag business program by nearly $5,000. While that places them at the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's three ag business programs, it's worth noting the state's programs collectively outperform most of the country. More importantly, graduates leave with just $15,276 in debt, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that makes the program highly manageable from day one.

The numbers reveal a practical path for students serious about agricultural careers. First-year earnings of $54,000 provide real financial stability, and the low debt burden means graduates aren't hamstrung by loan payments while building their careers. This is particularly valuable in agricultural business, where early-career opportunities might include farm management, agribusiness operations, or agricultural lending—fields where starting your own operation or making strategic career moves requires financial flexibility.

For families weighing ag business programs in Wisconsin, UW-Platteville offers strong value despite its middle ranking in the state. The $4,600 earnings advantage over the state median, combined with below-average debt, creates immediate financial security. Given the program's 87% admission rate and reasonable accessibility, this represents a low-risk entry point into a stable agricultural sector where Wisconsin graduates consistently outperform their national peers.

Where University of Wisconsin-Platteville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleOther agricultural business and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Platteville earns $54k — 95th percentile among agricultural business and management bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$54,473—$15,2760.28
University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls$8,606$53,911$52,088$21,4450.40
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$49,868$66,254$14,0000.28
National Median—$48,338—$20,0000.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

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 Wisconsin-Platteville, approximately 21% 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 92 graduates with reported earnings and 81 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.