TRADES Specialization

Agricultural Public

Only 46 colleges in the country offer Agricultural Public, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $54,152.

About Agricultural Public

Agricultural Public is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $54,152 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 46 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 866 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$43,778
Median Earnings · 4yr
$54,152
Colleges Offering
46
Graduates / Year
866
Avg Net Price / yr
$18,640

How Much Do Agricultural Public Graduates Earn?

Agricultural Public graduates earn $54,152 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,418 and $73,302.

$43,778
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$54,152
4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$52,403
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Agricultural Public graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $54,152 and an estimated $74,560 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 38 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 866 students who complete Agricultural Public programs each year, the majority (71%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 71%
Master's 23%
Doctorate 2%

What Can You Do With an Agricultural Public Degree?

Agricultural Public connects to 3 occupations in the job market. News Reporter leads at $62,200/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -3.9% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$62,200
$45K $98K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 4,100 openings/yr 39K employed nationally
Speaking Reading Comprehension Writing Active Listening Time Management
Day-to-day responsibilities

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

  • Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
  • Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
  • Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
↘ -2.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$60,220
$47K $73K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 1,100 openings/yr 8K employed nationally
Active Listening Speaking Reading Comprehension Writing Social Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities

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.

  • Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
  • Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
  • Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
↗ +3.3% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$58,100
$46K $78K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 7,300 openings/yr 70K employed nationally
Monitoring Operations Monitoring Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.

Top Colleges for Agricultural Public

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Agricultural Public students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK · Public 74 75% $17,447 $57,413
2 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public 72 57.4% $21,315 $72,097
3 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX · Public 71 72.7% $19,070 $62,454
4 University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public 61 45.2% $17,354 $73,792
5 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN · Public 60 41.6% $18,976 $60,249
6 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY · Public 56 92.9% $18,851 $59,025
7 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX · Public 52 89.6% $20,783 $53,040
8 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public 50 42.4% $14,355 $81,054
9 Kansas State University Manhattan, KS · Public 33 81.7% $19,406 $57,262
10 University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public 31 37.7% $13,936 $68,726
11 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public 29 31.3% $16,665 $90,768
12 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public 28 41.7% $17,303 $68,758
13 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public 20 73.3% $19,151 $61,251
14 Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public 19 49.9% $14,600 $72,424
15 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public 19 86.1% $16,674 $59,979
16 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public 18 60.6% $32,875 $63,435
17 Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public 18 88.7% $18,589 $63,386
18 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE · Public 16 87.5% $17,747 $56,887
19 West Texas A & M University Canyon, TX · Public 15 98.7% $19,487 $50,741
20 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR · Public 14 74.3% $18,209 $58,191

Ranked by Agricultural Public graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Agricultural Public program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Agricultural Public Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Agricultural Public shows 1 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 12,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Modest median earnings Four-year median of $54,152 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
  • Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Agricultural Public Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Agricultural Public graduates earn?
Agricultural Public graduates earn a national median of $54,152 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,418 and $73,302. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Agricultural Public degree?
One year after graduation, Agricultural Public degree holders earn a median of $43,778. That climbs to $54,152 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Agricultural Public degree?
Agricultural Public degree holders pursue careers including News Reporter, which pays a median of $62,200/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Agricultural Public program take?
A Agricultural Public bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Agricultural Public?
46 colleges and universities in the United States offer Agricultural Public programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Agricultural Public degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $54,152 and an average net price of roughly $18,640/yr, a Agricultural Public degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Agricultural Public and Agriculture?
Agricultural Public is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Agricultural Public-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Agricultural Public graduates?
Employers hiring Agricultural Public graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Public graduates?
The job outlook for Agricultural Public graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of -1.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Audio and Video Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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