Agricultural Production Operations at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech's agricultural production program demonstrates how a respected land-grant university can deliver strong outcomes even for associate-level credentials. Starting at $36,083 and climbing to nearly $43,000 by year four—that's a 19% earnings bump that outpaces most two-year programs. Nationally, this program beats three-quarters of similar agricultural production degrees, making it a standout choice in a field where many schools struggle to crack $34,000 in starting pay.

The $11,000 debt load is reasonable but not exceptional—about average for this field nationally—giving graduates a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio. What matters more is the earning trajectory: graduates see steady income growth rather than plateauing early, suggesting they're building real agricultural expertise and moving into better positions. The moderate sample size means you're looking at a smaller cohort, but the consistent performance across metrics points to a well-run program with solid industry connections.

For families considering agricultural careers, this delivers the Virginia Tech name and network at a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree. The combination of reasonable debt and above-average earnings in a stable sector makes this a practical path for students ready to enter agriculture with marketable skills and minimal financial burden.