Compare 7 Agricultural Mechanization. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $64,282.
Agricultural Mechanization programs produce graduates earning between $49,019 and $71,425—a $22K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Missouri-Columbia's Agricultural Mechanization program leads with graduates earning $71,425, well above the regional average of $64,282. University of Nebraska-Lincoln follows closely at $69,020, while North Dakota State delivers $68,735—proving that regional publics dominate this specialized field through focused program quality.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Missouri-Columbia graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 5.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, North Dakota State leads with an 11.9% family burden, showing that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $71,425
Strong outcomes with 77% acceptance
5.8% payment burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
11.9% family burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $71,425 | 31 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $69,020 | 22 | $21,000 | Excellent | $25,798 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $68,735 | 11 | $23,199 | Excellent | $14,621 | Good | |
| #4 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $66,079 | 60 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #5 | $62,961 | 27 | $23,250 | Excellent | $18,000 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $62,736 | 22 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Challenging | |
| #7 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $49,019 | 20 | $21,250 | Good | $27,283 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
