Agricultural Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Agricultural Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 39.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Agricultural Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $57218 and average student debt of $22673, the financial outlook for Agricultural Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Agricultural Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $57218, and with an average debt of $22673, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.4—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 1328 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Agricultural Engineers, which is expected to see 6.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Agricultural Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Agricultural Engineering (CIP 14.0301) is a high-level engineering discipline that applies physical and biological sciences to solve challenges in food production, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability. While a farmer focuses on the daily operations of a field, an agricultural engineer designs the automated systems, massive machinery, and conservation infrastructure that make modern farming possible. It is a path for "environmental innovators" who want to ensure the world has enough food, water, and energy for the future.
This field is ideal for individuals who want to combine a deep love for the outdoors with the technical power of a professional engineering license.
What Is an Agricultural Engineering Degree?
A degree in Agricultural Engineering focuses on the engineering of biological systems. Unlike traditional mechanical or civil engineering, this field requires you to account for "living variables"—such as soil health, plant growth rates, and animal behavior. You might design a robotic harvester that can pick delicate fruit without bruising it, or a massive irrigation system that uses AI to conserve every drop of water. It is a rigorous STEM major that prepares you to build the infrastructure of life.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Design Engineers" for the next generation of carbon-neutral farm machinery
- Develop experts in Water Resource Engineering to manage drought and prevent runoff pollution
- Prepare professionals to design Bioprocessing Plants that turn crops into renewable fuels or biodegradable plastics
- Study Precision Agriculture systems that integrate satellite data with field equipment
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that engineering for nature is different than engineering for a factory; you must design solutions that can withstand the unpredictable forces of weather and biology.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Hydraulic and Fluid Mechanics to design efficient drainage and irrigation networks
- Use "Structural Analysis" to build safe and efficient livestock housing and grain storage facilities
- Program Embedded Systems for autonomous drones and robotic weeding machines
- Apply "Thermodynamics" to optimize food processing and cold-chain logistics
- Utilize GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map and manage land and water resources
- Perform "Life Cycle Assessments" to measure the environmental impact of a farm or product
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of traditional engineering and advanced biological science:
- Machine Design: The mechanics and physics of agricultural power units and implements.
- Soil and Water Conservation Engineering: Controlling erosion and managing watershed health.
- Biological Process Engineering: The science of turning raw agricultural materials into food, fiber, or fuel.
- Power and Machinery: The study of internal combustion, electric drivetrains, and automation.
- Sensors and Controls: Integrating digital intelligence into physical hardware.
- Environmental Engineering: Managing agricultural waste and reducing the industry's carbon footprint.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as professional engineers in the private sector, government, and research.
Common job roles include:
- Design Engineer: Creating new tools and machines for global equipment manufacturers.
- Water Resource Engineer: Designing dams, irrigation systems, and flood control for entire regions.
- Bioprocess Engineer: Overseeing the manufacturing of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, or food products.
- Precision Ag Specialist: Managing the integration of data and machinery for large agribusinesses.
- Environmental Consultant: Helping farms and companies comply with environmental laws and restore land.
- Project Engineer: Managing the construction of large-scale agricultural or food processing facilities.
Where Can You Work?
Agricultural engineers work at the intersection of technology and the environment:
- Equipment Manufacturers: Companies like John Deere, CNH Industrial, and AGCO.
- Government Agencies: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the EPA.
- Environmental Firms: Working on land reclamation, water quality, and sustainable design.
- Food and Beverage Giants: Managing production for companies like PepsiCo, Nestlé, or ADM.
- Renewable Energy Companies: Designing and operating ethanol plants or anaerobic digesters.
How Much Can You Earn?
As a professional engineering discipline, salaries are high and offer significant stability.
- Agricultural Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $85,000–$110,000.
- Water Resource Engineers: Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $120,000.
- Senior Design Engineers: Median annual salary of around $100,000–$140,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $65,000 and $78,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the dual expertise required. You must pass the same rigorous Calculus and Physics courses as a mechanical engineer, but you must also understand Biology and Chemistry. It is a "heavy" STEM major that leads to professional licensure (PE - Professional Engineer). It requires a high level of problem-solving skill and the ability to apply abstract math to messy, real-world biological problems.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love math and science but want a career that gets you out of the office and into the field
- Are passionate about solving global problems like water scarcity and climate change
- Want to build "big things" like machines, dams, or high-tech processing plants
- Are interested in the "Future of Food," including robotics and automation
- Want the prestige and salary of an engineering degree with a focus on sustainability
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Math (Calculus) and Science (Physics, Chemistry) available
- Join a robotics team or a vocational "Ag-Mech" program
- Practice computer programming and 3D modeling (CAD)
- Volunteer for environmental or conservation groups to understand land management
- Follow "Ag-Tech" news to see how automation is changing the industry
The ability to apply high-level engineering to the stewardship of our natural resources and food supply is the hallmark of a successful agricultural engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor