Agricultural Mechanization at North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 1,733 in Wahpeton, ND.

Program Analysis

At $62,531 per year, Agricultural Mechanization graduates from North Dakota State College of Science earn slightly above the $51,339 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 58.0x 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 — 22% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Agricultural Mechanization graduates.

The median debt load of $12,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #6 out of 12 programs, North Dakota State College of Science's Agricultural Mechanization offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $62,531 to $68,155 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 13 registered apprenticeships mapped to Agricultural Mechanization, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $62,531/yr (22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (78% shielded)
Job Market Large (51,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$690K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
58.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$11,856
Out-of-state: $13,852
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,155
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Agricultural Mechanization graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians $78,680 +4.0% 87%
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines $63,980 +5.8% 90%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
$78,680
+4.0% growth 87% AI-proof
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980
+5.8% growth 90% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Mechanization Career Guide

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

Read the full Agricultural Mechanization career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Mechanization Overview

Agricultural Mechanization at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Dakota State College of Science

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Agricultural Mechanization at North Dakota State College of Science?
At 64/100, North Dakota State College of Science's Agricultural Mechanization program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What's the typical debt for Agricultural Mechanization graduates from North Dakota State College of Science?
At $12,500 in median debt, Agricultural Mechanization graduates from North Dakota State College of Science carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Agricultural Mechanization through an apprenticeship instead of North Dakota State College of Science?
If North Dakota State College of Science's tuition gives you pause, consider that 13 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Agricultural Mechanization. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Agricultural Mechanization from North Dakota State College of Science?
The large job market (51,600 annual openings) works in favor of Agricultural Mechanization 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 →