Agricultural Production Operations at Delaware Valley University

Doylestown, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,814/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #16 of 17 Agricultural Production Operations programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed on this page suggest high-paying professional roles, the outcomes data points to a different reality for many graduates. This program focuses on the hands-on, operational side of agriculture, which is increasingly automated and often leads to roles with lower starting salaries than the research or business-focused tracks at larger land-grant universities. The Doylestown area, while historic, isn't a major hub for large-scale agribusiness, limiting local high-paying opportunities. Graduates may find themselves in farm management or technician roles where compensation is modest, especially early on. Many of the highest-paying careers in agriculture, like animal science or university teaching, require advanced degrees beyond what this bachelor's program provides. Your key takeaway: critically assess whether you want a career in production versus the business or science of agriculture, and seek extensive internship experience to access higher-paying management-track roles post-graduation.

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 $423K $430K $411K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.5x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 39% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$173,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,972
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About Delaware Valley University

With 92% of applicants admitted, Delaware Valley University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,644 students in Doylestown, PA. The average net cost of $108,972 over four years represents a 37% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Delaware Valley 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 Delaware Valley University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Agricultural Production Operations at Delaware Valley University?
A score of 29/100 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 $410,628 in decade earnings vs $423,322 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Agricultural Production Operations from Delaware Valley 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 →