Agriculture at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Agriculture, General
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $55,828/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Small (6,800 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 47 Agriculture, General programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

As a premier land-grant university in the heart of the Great Plains, NDSU’s strong outcomes aren’t just about the curriculum; they’re about proximity and reputation. You’ll be studying agriculture in a region where it’s the dominant economic engine. This creates a powerful feedback loop: local and global agribusiness giants like John Deere, Cargill, and CHS actively recruit on campus and partner on research because NDSU is a trusted talent pipeline. Your education will be deeply practical, connecting you directly with the high-tech, data-driven world of modern farming, from precision agriculture to food science innovation. To maximize your advantage, focus on internships early. The hands-on experience you gain with a regional co-op, seed technology firm, or equipment manufacturer will be the single most important factor in securing a high-value role right after graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agriculture graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $556K $550K $503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.7x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 39% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,428
Out-of-state: $62,044 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,336
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,086
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

A 96% acceptance rate means North Dakota State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 9,567 in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr
Animal scientists $79,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agriculture at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

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

How does North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Agriculture program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Agriculture. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Agriculture to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Agriculture careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does North Dakota State University-Main Campus rank so high for Agriculture?
The #8 ranking out of 47 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →