Agricultural Business and Management at University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all agricultural business and management bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $54,473 | — | $15,276 | 0.28 |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $53,911 | $52,088 | $21,445 | 0.40 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $49,868 | $66,254 | $14,000 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $48,338 | — | $20,000 | 0.41 |
Other Agricultural Business and Management Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls | $8,606 | $53,911 | $21,445 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $49,868 | $14,000 |
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.