Agricultural Business and Management at Ridgewater College
a smaller institution with 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
At $44,875 per year, Agricultural Business and Management graduates from Ridgewater College earn slightly above the $36,297 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 91.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Agricultural Business and Management graduates.
The median debt load of $10,779 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #1 ranking out of 18 Agricultural Business and Management programs nationally puts Ridgewater College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,875 to $55,791 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
Agricultural Business and Management connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Agricultural Business and Management 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% |
About Agricultural Business and Management Careers
Your office could be the cab of a pickup truck, where you’ll spend your days checking irrigation systems, analyzing soil data on a tablet, and negotiating prices for your crops. Or you might be on the road as a wholesale sales representative, visiting farms and co-ops to demonstrate new seed varieties, manage client accounts, and write up orders.
Read the full Agricultural Business and Management career guide →
Compare & Explore
Agricultural Business and Management Overview
Agricultural Business and Management at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ridgewater College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.