Compare 13 Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $39,007.
The highest-earning Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 14 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Minnesota State University-Mankato's Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management program leads with graduates earning $45,342. The program average sits at $38,444, yet regional publics dominate the rankings—South Dakota State University ($44,584) and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ($44,151) round out the top three.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates borrow $21,106 and face a 12.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, graduates can pay off their student debt with roughly six months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $45,342
Strong outcomes with 91% acceptance
12.7% payment burden | Manageable
22.1% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $45,342 | 41 | $21,106 | Manageable | $13,695 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $44,584 | 24 | $23,250 | Manageable | $18,000 | High | |
| #3 | $44,151 | 30 | $22,500 | Manageable | $16,958 | High | |
| #4 | $43,863 | 16 | $21,058 | Manageable | $11,598 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $43,052 | 73 | $24,000 | Manageable | $17,049 | High |
| #6 | $39,565 | 19 | $24,500 | Challenging | $21,394 | High | |
| #7 | $39,169 | 91 | $20,482 | Manageable | $28,767 | High | |
| #8 | $38,437 | 48 | $25,251 | Challenging | $20,764 | High | |
| #9 | $38,333 | 6 | $19,968 | Manageable | $11,334 | High | |
| #10 | $38,234 | 16 | $21,500 | Challenging | $17,781 | High | |
| #11 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $37,083 | 23 | $21,250 | Challenging | $27,283 | High |
| #12 | University Of St FrancisPrivate | $32,159 | 6 | $21,079 | High | $24,148 | High |
| #13 | $23,113 | 19 | $23,250 | High | $37,401 | 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 →
