Agricultural Business at Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND · Public · Associate Degree · Agricultural Business and Management

a compact campus enrolling 2,629 students in Bismarck, ND.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,623 at Bismarck State College come in 6% above the national median of $36,297 for Agricultural Business programs.

With a 58.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Agricultural Business carry above-average AI exposure (48% of tasks). The 38% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $38,623 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #6 ranking among 18 Agricultural Business programs places Bismarck State College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $38,623-to-$59,268 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Agricultural Business careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
71
Score
74
High End
Earnings $38,623/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (52% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (398,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$655K
11.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
63.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,390
Out-of-state: $14,558
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,268
53% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Agricultural Business graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980 +2.1% 52%
Economists $115,440 +1.2% 39%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980 -1.3% 63%
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980
+2.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Economists
$115,440
+1.2% growth 39% AI-proof
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Business Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Agricultural Business careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Agricultural Business career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Business Overview

Agricultural Business at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bismarck State College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Agricultural Business at Bismarck State College?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Bismarck State College's Agricultural Business graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
What's the AI risk for Agricultural Business graduates from Bismarck State College?
Our scenarios model 48% of Agricultural Business tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Bismarck State College's 71/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Agricultural Business program at Bismarck State College?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Agricultural Business. For students weighing Bismarck State College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Agricultural Business graduates from Bismarck State College find jobs?
With approximately 398,100 annual openings across mapped careers, Agricultural Business offers a very large employment pool. Bismarck State College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →