Agricultural Economics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Agricultural Economics is a dynamic field that applies economic principles to optimize decision-making across the agricultural value chain. It examines how resources are allocated, how productivity is enhanced, and how investment strategies influence outcomes in farming, food systems, and rural development—both within national borders and on a global scale.
- Resource Allocation in Agriculture: Explores how land, labor, capital, and water are distributed efficiently across farming operations and agribusinesses to maximize output and sustainability.
- Productivity and Efficiency Analysis: Investigates methods to measure and improve output per unit of input, using data-driven models to assess performance across different production systems.
- Agri-Financial Management and Investment: Focuses on budgeting, risk assessment, credit access, and capital planning essential for farm viability and long-term agricultural enterprise growth.
- International Trade and Market Dynamics: Analyzes global commodity flows, trade policies, tariffs, and market integration to understand how international forces shape domestic agricultural markets.
- Policy Analysis and Rural Development: Evaluates the impact of government programs, subsidies, environmental regulations, and rural economic initiatives on agricultural outcomes and community well-being.
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: Addresses the economic dimensions of land use, water conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable farming practices.
Agricultural Economics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Agricultural Economics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Agricultural Economics degrees, including Economics Teachers, Postsecondary, Economists and Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 37,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1063 | $119,980 | $57,550 - $217,160 | 12,420 | N/A |
| Economists 19-3011 | $115,440 | $62,340 - $212,710 | 15,880 | $55.50 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
Agricultural Economics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $67,333 in Florida to $154,840 in New Hampshire—a 130% difference. The highest-paying states include New Hampshire, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 37,000 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Agricultural Economics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 42 institutions offering Agricultural Economics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Agricultural Economics is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (313 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (264 graduates), Cornell University (245 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (95 graduates), and University of Florida (UF) (92 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,768 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
313 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
264 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
245 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
95 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
92 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
|
74 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
61 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
57 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Bachelor's
|
49 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
46 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
43 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Master's
Other Award
|
21 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
20 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Master's
|
19 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Master's
|
17 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Associate's
|
17 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Master's
|
9 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| Fort Valley State University (FVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Fort Valley, Georgia | Public | fvsu.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Master's
|
6 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Master's
|
5 | Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Master's
|
5 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Public | uprm.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Master's
|
4 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Otero College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | La Junta, Colorado | Public | otero.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
3 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Central Lakes College (CLC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Brainerd, Minnesota | Public | clcmn.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
2 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Trinidad State College (TSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Trinidad, Colorado | Public | trinidadstate.edu |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC) |
Master's
|
1 | Washington, District of Columbia | Public | udc.edu |
| Huntington University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Huntington, Indiana | Private | huntington.edu |
| Alcorn State University (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Alcorn State, Mississippi | Public | alcorn.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Agricultural Economics programs
How much can I earn with a Agricultural Economics degree?
Salaries for Agricultural Economics graduates vary by role and location. Economics Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $119,980 annually, while Economists earn around $115,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Hampshire average $154,840 compared to $67,333 in Florida. Approximately 37,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Agricultural Economics programs?
Currently 42 accredited institutions offer Agricultural Economics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (313 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (264 graduates), and Cornell University (245 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Agricultural Economics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,992 in 2010 to a peak of 2,141 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,768 in 2023-24. This represents a 11% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Agricultural Economics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Economics Teachers, Postsecondary, Economists, and Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 37,000 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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