Agricultural Production Operations at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

Curtis, NE · Public · Associate Degree

a smaller institution with 228 students in Curtis, NE.

Program Analysis

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture's Agricultural Production Operations graduates start at $24,427/yr, trailing the $33,953 national average by 28%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 35.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Agricultural Production Operations carry above-average AI exposure (38% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,314 in median debt clears fast against $24,427 in annual earnings.

A #11 ranking among 12 Agricultural Production Operations programs places Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,427-to-$41,932 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 7 apprenticeship pathways connected to Agricultural Production Operations reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
45
Score
47
High End
Earnings $24,427/yr (-28% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$429K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
37.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$11,512
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,314
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,932
72% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Agricultural Production Operations graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830 +4.0% 52%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980 -1.3% 63%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
$100,830
+4.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Production Operations Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Agricultural Production Operations careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Agricultural Production Operations career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations Overview

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Production Operations at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Agricultural Production Operations. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How vulnerable is Agricultural Production Operations to AI automation?
Our scenarios model 38% of Agricultural Production Operations tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture's 45/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Can you still earn well with Agricultural Production Operations from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture?
Lower starting pay at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Agricultural Production Operations?
If Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture's tuition gives you pause, consider that 7 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Agricultural Production Operations. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Agricultural Production Operations workers?
The very large job market (132,800 annual openings) works in favor of Agricultural Production Operations graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →