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Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory

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Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory graduates earn $49,880 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,412 and $62,656. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $49,880 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 55 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 486 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: $28,939
Median Earnings · 4yr: $49,880
Colleges Offering: 55
Graduates / Year: 486
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,672

How Much Do Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Graduates Earn?

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory graduates earn $49,880 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,412 and $62,656. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $28,939 climbs to $49,880 by year four.

$28,939

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$49,880

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$47,620

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 Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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.

$36,412 25th pct.

$49,880 Median

$62,656 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $49,880 and an estimated $78,688 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 4.0 years.

Based on outcomes from 40 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 486 students who complete Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory programs each year, the majority (94%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

94%

Bachelor's 94%

Associate's 6%

What Can You Do With an Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Degree?

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Technicians leads at $49,630/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.3% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Agricultural Technicians

$49,630

$41K $64K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 2,900 openings/yr 15K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.

Top Colleges for Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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	University of Delaware Newark, DE · Public	81	70.6%	$17,799	$72,950
2	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	77	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
3	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	74	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631
4	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	69	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
5	The University of Findlay Findlay, OH · Nonprofit	43	83.4%	$27,221	$56,996
6	University of Nevada-Reno Reno, NV · Public	31	73.7%	$15,927	$60,614
7	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE · Public	14	87.5%	$17,747	$56,887
8	Kansas State University Manhattan, KS · Public	14	81.7%	$19,406	$57,262
9	Otterbein University Westerville, OH · Nonprofit	11	84.5%	$19,237	$53,313
10	Butler Community College El Dorado, KS · Public	9	Open	$15,724	$41,206
11	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO · Public	8	86.1%	$16,244	$47,885
12	University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NC · Nonprofit	8	75.8%	$18,853	$47,139
13	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	7	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
14	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	4	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
15	Itawamba Community College Fulton, MS · Public	4	Open	$4,616	$32,912
16	Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TX · Nonprofit	4	73.1%	$24,456	$53,787
17	Lees-McRae College Banner Elk, NC · Nonprofit	3	76.8%	$28,340	$43,415
18	Ellsworth Community College Iowa Falls, IA · Public	3	Open	$11,451	$40,562
19	Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MA · Nonprofit	2	85.2%	$39,545	$125,557
20	Casper College Casper, WY · Public	2	Open	$9,593	$40,935

View all colleges

Ranked by Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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 Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Degree: Pros & Cons

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $28,939 at graduation to $49,880 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $49,880 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.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($36,412) and 75th ($62,656) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory graduates earn?

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory graduates earn a national median of $49,880 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,412 and $62,656. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree?

One year after graduation, Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree holders earn a median of $28,939. That climbs to $49,880 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree?

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Technicians, which pays a median of $49,630/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory program take?

A Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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 Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory?

55 colleges and universities in the United States offer Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $49,880 and an average net price of roughly $19,672/yr, a Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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 Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory and Agriculture?

Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory-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 Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory graduates?

Employers hiring Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory 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.