Agriculture, General.
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
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Agriculture, General.: The DTI for this program is 55.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Agriculture, General., compare your expected starting salary (currently $36883) to the average debt ($20434) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Agriculture, General.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 55.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Agriculture, General., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($36883) against the typical student debt ($20434), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Agriculture, General., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $36883, with grads carrying about $20434 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.55—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 3256 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Agriculture, General. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Agriculture, General (CIP 01.0000) is a comprehensive field that provides a broad understanding of the entire agricultural ecosystem. Unlike specialized degrees that focus on a single niche, this major explores how plants, animals, economics, and technology work together to create a functional food system. It is designed for "agricultural generalists" who need to understand every link in the chain, from the soil chemistry of a field to the global markets where the final product is sold.
This field is ideal for individuals who want a versatile career, such as managing a diversified family farm, working in agricultural education, or serving as a consultant who can "speak the language" of many different technical specialists.
What Is an Agriculture, General Degree?
A degree in General Agriculture is essentially the "liberal arts" degree of the farming world. It provides a balanced foundation in animal science, crop production, soil health, and agribusiness. Because of its broad nature, it is highly customizable, allowing students to take a wide variety of electives that match their local region’s needs. It is a practical STEM major that prepares you to be a "jack-of-all-trades" in one of the world's most essential industries.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Agricultural Managers" who need to oversee operations involving both crops and livestock
- Develop "Ag-Educators" and Extension agents who provide diverse advice to rural communities
- Prepare students for careers in Rural Leadership and Advocacy
- Provide a flexible pathway for students who want to enter the industry but haven't chosen a specific specialty yet
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that agriculture is a massive, interconnected machine where a change in one area—like weather or fuel prices—affects everything else.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Diversified Management—the ability to pivot between plant, animal, and business tasks
- Perform basic diagnostic tests for soil health, plant diseases, and animal wellness
- Interpret Agricultural Data, such as yield maps, weather forecasts, and market reports
- Communicate effectively with farmers, scientists, and the general public
- Use modern Ag-Tech software for record-keeping and production planning
- Understand the basics of farm safety, chemical handling, and environmental regulations
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a diverse mix of all the major agricultural disciplines:
- Animal Science: The basics of breeding, nutrition, and health for livestock like cattle, swine, and poultry.
- Plant and Soil Science: How to manage soil nutrients and grow major row crops or forage.
- Agricultural Mechanics: Understanding the operation and maintenance of farm power and machinery.
- Agricultural Economics: Learning about supply, demand, and the financial management of a small business.
- Sustainability and Ecology: How to farm in a way that protects water, air, and biodiversity.
- Integrated Pest Management: Using biological and chemical tools to protect food sources.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles where they can apply a "big picture" understanding of the industry.
Common job roles include:
- Farm or Ranch Manager: Running the day-to-day operations of a multi-faceted agricultural business.
- Agricultural Extension Agent: Working for a university to bring the latest research to local farmers.
- Agricultural Sales Representative: Selling seed, fertilizer, or equipment to a wide variety of clients.
- Crop Consultant: Scouting fields for pests and advising farmers on how to improve their yields.
- Ag-Loan Officer: Helping farmers secure the financing they need to grow their businesses.
- High School Ag Teacher: Inspiring the next generation through FFA and classroom instruction.
Where Can You Work?
Generalists are needed in every corner of the agricultural world:
- Family and Corporate Farms: Managing production across thousands of acres or head of livestock.
- Cooperatives (Co-ops): Working for member-owned organizations that provide supplies and marketing.
- Government Agencies: Working for the USDA, state departments of ag, or local conservation districts.
- Agribusiness Companies: Working for firms like Corteva, Land O'Lakes, or local equipment dealerships.
- Educational Institutions: High schools, community colleges, and university extension offices.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend heavily on the specific role and the scale of the operation managed.
- Agricultural Managers: Median annual salary of approximately $68,000–$85,000 (often includes perks like a truck or housing).
- Extension Agents: Salaries typically range from $48,000 to $65,000 depending on the state and experience.
- Ag-Sales Professionals: Often earn $60,000 to $95,000+ when including commissions.
- Agriculture Teachers: Median annual salary of around $55,000–$72,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the variety. You don't just study one thing; you have to be "pretty good" at everything. You must pass classes in Chemistry and Biology, but also in Finance and Mechanics. It requires a "practical" mindset and the ability to switch tasks quickly. While it may not be as mathematically intense as Ag-Engineering, it requires a high degree of common sense and a willingness to work outdoors and in the lab.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love the rural lifestyle and want a career that keeps you connected to the land
- Are a "multitasker" who gets bored doing the same thing every day
- Want to manage your own farm or work in a leadership role in your community
- Enjoy working with both animals and plants
- Aren't sure exactly which part of agriculture you want to specialize in yet
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science
- Join an FFA chapter or a 4-H club and take on a leadership role
- Get as much hands-on experience as possible on a farm or in a garden
- Practice your public speaking and writing; being an "advocate" is a big part of this field
- Learn the basics of business and personal finance
The ability to understand and manage the entire lifecycle of food production—from soil to shelf—is the hallmark of a successful general agriculture professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor