Agricultural Production Operations at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Associate Degree

Admission to North Carolina State University at Raleigh is competitive, with 40% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 26,389 students in Raleigh, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,198/yr, roughly in line with the $33,953 national median for Agricultural Production Operations. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 20.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Agricultural Production Operations graduates.

With first-year pay of $35,198 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #6 out of 12 programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Agricultural Production Operations offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 7 registered apprenticeships mapped to Agricultural Production Operations, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
49
Score
51
High End
Earnings $35,198/yr (4% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$368K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
20.7x
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 (In-State)
$17,790
Out-of-state: $63,534
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Agricultural Production Operations opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Agricultural Production Operations career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations Overview

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Agricultural Production Operations program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Agricultural Production Operations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Production Operations at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
AI won't eliminate Agricultural Production Operations careers, but it may reshape them. At North Carolina State University at Raleigh, a score of 49/100 already accounts for the 38% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Can I learn Agricultural Production Operations through an apprenticeship instead of North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
The DOL recognizes 7 apprenticeship pathways related to Agricultural Production Operations. For students weighing North Carolina State University at Raleigh's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Agricultural Production Operations graduates from North Carolina State University at Raleigh find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Agricultural Production Operations have roughly 132,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →