Agricultural Public Services at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,495/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Medium (12,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 10 Agricultural Public Services programs

Program Analysis

While the financial outlook may seem modest, this program is deeply rooted in Kentucky’s land-grant mission. Your career path will likely lead to public service, not corporate agriculture. Think roles with the Cooperative Extension Service, state fairs, or non-profits dedicated to rural development and education. These positions offer strong community impact but are tied to public sector and regional pay scales, which explains the earnings data when compared to programs in higher-cost-of-living states. Graduates here don't just learn communications; they become trusted voices for Kentucky's signature industries like equine, bourbon, and cattle. To maximize your value, aggressively pursue internships with a national focus, such as with the USDA or a major agricultural media outlet, to demonstrate that your skills are competitive beyond the regional market.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $481K $482K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 40% 36% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,875
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,268
28% growth from Year 1

About University of Kentucky

A 92% acceptance rate means University of Kentucky is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

Top Career Paths

News analysts, reporters, and journalists $60,280/yr
Farm and home management educators $58,120/yr
Audio and video technicians $54,830/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Public Services at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Public Services at University of Kentucky?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Agricultural Public Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Public Services at University of Kentucky?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Kentucky a good choice for Agricultural Public Services despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kentucky's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →