Agricultural Production Operations at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
A 57% admission rate makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.
Program Analysis
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Agricultural Production Operations graduates start at $36,083/yr — above the $33,953 national average, though not by a wide margin.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 16.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Agricultural Production Operations programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Agricultural Production Operations's career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,000 in median debt clears fast against $36,083 in annual earnings.
Ranked #9 of 12 Agricultural Production Operations programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $36,083 to $48,879 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Agricultural Production Operations offers 7 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
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