Agricultural and Food Products Processing at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,052/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Medium (14,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 2 Agricultural and Food Products Processing programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed might seem modest, your real value lies in the scarcity of your degree. With only one other program like this in the nation, you'll graduate with a highly specialized, in-demand skill set. Kansas State’s location in the heart of the American agricultural belt means you’re surrounded by the very companies that need your expertise—think major grain processors, large-scale food manufacturers, and animal health leaders. This isn't just a classroom degree; it’s a direct pipeline to the industry, giving you a significant advantage in the regional job market. Your challenge won’t be finding a job, but choosing the right one. To maximize your options, use your internships to explore different sectors of the food supply chain, from raw material processing to finished product logistics, to discover where you can make the biggest impact.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural and Food Products Processing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $646K $635K $577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.5x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.7x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$83,856
10% growth from Year 1

About Kansas State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kansas State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State University →

Top Career Paths

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers $59,330/yr
Agricultural inspectors $50,990/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural and Food Products Processing at Other Schools

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kansas State University's Agricultural and Food Products Processing program score?
This program scores 62/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Agricultural and Food Products Processing graduates.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →