Agricultural Engineering at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

UW-River Falls graduates earn roughly $8,000 less than the typical agricultural engineering graduate nationally, landing in just the 18th percentile—a significant gap for a technical degree. Within Wisconsin, where only two schools offer this program, River Falls sits at the 40th percentile, trailing UW-Madison by about $10,000 annually. More troubling is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop 5% between year one and year four, from $57,627 to $54,619, suggesting these early engineering roles may not lead to advancement opportunities comparable to what peers experience elsewhere.

The financial picture isn't all negative. At $23,000 in debt, graduates face a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio—they're borrowing less than 40% of their first-year salary, which is reasonable. The relatively accessible admission standards (82% acceptance rate) mean students who might not gain entry to more competitive programs can still enter the agricultural engineering field. For a student certain about this career path and prioritizing staying in Wisconsin, the affordable debt load provides some cushion.

However, parents should recognize this program delivers below-average returns for a technical field where graduates typically command strong salaries. If your child could gain admission to UW-Madison's program, that represents a $10,000 annual earnings advantage. Consider whether the combination of lower earnings and declining income trajectory aligns with your expectations for an engineering degree's return on investment.