Compare 10 Agricultural Mechanization. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $71,315. Top programs: $78,890+.
Agricultural Mechanization programs produce graduates earning between $58,690 and $78,890—a $20K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The difference between the top and bottom program represents real money over a career.
Iowa State University's Agricultural Mechanization program leads with graduates earning $78,890—well above the $71,315 average across all ranked programs. Kansas State University ($78,537) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ($78,080) trail by less than $1,000, proving that strong outcomes in this field aren't concentrated at any single institution. Regional public universities dominate the top three.
Cal Poly SLO delivers the lowest student debt burden in the ranking: graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 4.6% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. For families factoring in parent loans, Iowa State leads with a 12.8% combined burden—manageable by any measure. At Iowa State, a net price of $10,582 pairs with $78,890 in earnings, making the financial case clear.
Highest program earnings: $78,890
Strong outcomes ($78,890) with 89% acceptance
4.6% payment burden | Excellent
12.8% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $78,890 | 41 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #2 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $78,537 | 9 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Manageable |
| #3 | $78,080 | 40 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $75,958 | 13 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $74,003 | 22 | $21,000 | Excellent | $25,798 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $73,393 | 30 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $67,746 | 18 | $23,250 | Excellent | $18,000 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $67,729 | 28 | $21,983 | Excellent | $19,433 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $60,122 | 22 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $58,690 | 6 | $23,199 | Good | $14,621 | Manageable |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
