Agricultural Business and Management at University of Wyoming

Wyoming's agricultural business program starts graduates at just $35,431—nearly $13,000 below the national median for ag business degrees and ranking in the 5th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap when you consider that Wyoming is the only state school offering this major in-state. The first-year earnings are alarmingly low for a technical degree, though the modest $15,056 in debt provides some cushion.

The trajectory tells a more hopeful story. Earnings jump to $52,685 by year four, a 49% increase that surpasses the national median and demonstrates real career progression. This suggests the program may provide skills that take time to monetize—perhaps graduates need experience before moving into management roles or establishing their own operations. In Wyoming's agricultural economy, that pattern makes sense, though parents should understand their graduate will likely start in lower-wage field positions.

The core question is whether waiting four years for competitive earnings justifies starting so far behind peers from other states. The low debt helps, but if your child could access an ag business program in neighboring states with stronger initial placement, that might accelerate their earning timeline by several years. For students committed to Wyoming's ranching and agricultural sector who plan to stay local, the eventual earnings are workable—but this isn't a fast track to financial stability.