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Agricultural Production Operations at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Associate Degree

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,427/yr fall 28% below the $33,953 national median for Agricultural Production Operations. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 20.0x 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.

At $11,314 in median debt against $24,427 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #12 ranking among 12 Agricultural Production Operations programs places University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
41
Score
43
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 (In-State)
21.2x
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 (In-State)
$20,216
Out-of-state: $55,496
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

See the full career breakdown for Agricultural Production Operations — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and 11 other schools.

Read the full Agricultural Production Operations career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations Overview

View all 12 schools offering Agricultural Production Operations →

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Kirkwood Community College ($42,392) Mitchell Technical College ($40,871) Northeast Iowa Community College ($38,924) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,083) Michigan State University ($35,978) North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($35,198) Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute ($33,940) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($33,940)

Other Majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Veterinary Technology ($32,793)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Agricultural Production Operations degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Production Operations at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Agricultural Production Operations. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Production Operations at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
AI exposure of 38% is a real factor. For University of Nebraska-Lincoln specifically, the gap between optimistic ($428,662) and pessimistic ($255,560) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Can you still earn well with Agricultural Production Operations from University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Lower starting pay at University of Nebraska-Lincoln may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Agricultural Production Operations through an apprenticeship instead of University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
If University of Nebraska-Lincoln'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.
Will Agricultural Production Operations graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln find jobs?
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 →