TRADES Specialization

International Agriculture

Only 18 colleges in the country offer International Agriculture, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $56,491.

About International Agriculture

International Agriculture is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $56,491 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 18 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 215 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
$52,068
Median Earnings · 4yr
$56,491
Colleges Offering
18
Graduates / Year
215
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,049

How Much Do International Agriculture Graduates Earn?

International Agriculture graduates earn $56,491 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,972 and $87,919.

$52,068
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.

$56,491
4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$56,405
4-Year Institutional Median

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


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across International Agriculture 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 $56,491 and an estimated $76,196 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.9 years.

Based on outcomes from 9 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 215 students who complete International Agriculture programs each year, the majority (53%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 53%
Post-Bacc Cert. 25%
Master's 22%

What Can You Do With an International Agriculture Degree?

International Agriculture connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Sciences Teachers leads at $98,700/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$98,700
$66K $127K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 800 openings/yr 9K employed nationally
Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

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.

  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
↗ +6.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$88,720
$69K $117K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 1,200 openings/yr 13K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Active Learning Speaking Science
Day-to-day responsibilities

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

  • Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
  • Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
  • Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.

Top Colleges for International Agriculture

Only 9 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by International Agriculture graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public 31 88.7% $18,589 $63,386
2 Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit 22 3.7% $19,066 $101,817
3 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK · Public 14 75% $17,447 $57,413
4 Cornell University Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit 14 8.8% $28,690 $104,043
5 University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public 13 41.8% $14,741 $80,838
6 Chatham University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit 9 62% $29,954 $52,410
7 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public 6 57.4% $21,315 $72,097
8 North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, ND · Public 1 95% $15,543 $62,203
9 College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO · Nonprofit 1 12% $6,100 $41,592

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

International Agriculture Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on International Agriculture shows 2 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $56,491 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.5% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
CONS
  • 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.
  • High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($39,972) and 75th ($87,919) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
  • Limited program availability Only 18 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

International Agriculture Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do International Agriculture graduates earn?
International Agriculture graduates earn a national median of $56,491 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,972 and $87,919. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What jobs can you get with a International Agriculture degree?
International Agriculture degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, which pays a median of $98,700/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a International Agriculture program take?
A International Agriculture 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 International Agriculture?
18 colleges and universities in the United States offer International Agriculture programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a International Agriculture degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $56,491 and an average net price of roughly $19,049/yr, a International Agriculture 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 International Agriculture and Agriculture?
International Agriculture is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to International Agriculture-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 International Agriculture graduates?
Employers hiring International Agriculture 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 International Agriculture graduates?
The job outlook for International Agriculture graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Food Scientists and Technologists is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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