Agricultural Production Operations at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,825/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)
ROI 7.5x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 17 Agricultural Production Operations programs

Program Analysis

While Clemson is a top-tier public university, this specific degree prepares you for the challenging realities of modern agriculture. The financial outcomes reflect that entry-level roles often involve hands-on production work on farms and in agribusiness facilities across the Southeast, rather than immediate management positions. The high-paying careers listed, like farm manager or agricultural scientist, typically require either significant capital investment and years of experience or an advanced graduate degree. This bachelor’s program is a starting point, but not a direct path to those senior roles. Given the high risk of automation in production-focused jobs, your key to success will be specialization. Proactively seek out internships in high-tech areas like precision agriculture, drone technology, or sustainable farming systems to build a skillset that sets you apart from purely operational roles and makes you indispensable.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural Production Operations graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $465K $467K $441K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.5x 7.5x 7.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 39% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,625
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,546
32% growth from Year 1

About Clemson University

Clemson University admits 38% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 22,778 students in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clemson University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Agricultural Production Operations at Clemson University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Agricultural Production Operations. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Agricultural Production Operations careers?
With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $441,427 in decade earnings vs $464,972 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Agricultural Production Operations from Clemson University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →