Location: Logan, UT•In-State Tuition: $9,228•Out-of-State Tuition: $24,802•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1189
Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,297
82nd percentile
Est. Median Debt
$22,123
Est. from national median (15 programs)
Sample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Utah State's agricultural production program delivers first-year earnings of $47,297—well above the $38,189 national median for this field and landing in the 82nd percentile nationally. That's a strong performance for a credential that, based on typical debt loads at similar programs, likely leaves graduates with around $22,000 in loans. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable repayment, with graduates potentially devoting less than half their first year's salary to their full loan balance.

The caveat: this $22,000 debt figure comes from comparable programs nationally since Utah State's actual graduate numbers are too small to report publicly. While agriculture programs tend to produce relatively consistent debt patterns across institutions, individual outcomes can vary based on scholarship availability and financial aid packages. The earnings figure, however, is real and reflects what Utah State graduates actually make—placing them solidly ahead of most peers in this field.

For families considering this program, the combination of above-average earnings and estimated moderate debt makes this a fundamentally sound investment. Agriculture remains one of the more practical bachelor's degrees from a return-on-investment standpoint, and Utah State's results suggest their graduates enter the workforce successfully. The key is confirming the actual cost of attendance and aid package before committing.

Where Utah State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural production operations bachelors's programs nationally

Utah State University (estimated ±10%)Other agricultural production operations programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Utah State University earns $47k — 82th percentile among agricultural production operations bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Agricultural Production Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$47,297—$22,123*—
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$62,869$67,867$23,250*0.37
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$56,835—$15,211*0.27
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$56,743$50,640$17,395*0.31
University of Mount OliveMount Olive$25,950$41,737——*—
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond$10,130$40,047$39,385$19,250*0.48
National Median—$38,189—$22,123*0.58
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural production operations graduates

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:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Animal Breeders

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

$35,980/yrJobs growth:

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 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 Utah State University, approximately 26% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 12 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.