Program Analysis
At $63,321 per year, Agricultural Mechanization graduates from Iowa State University earn slightly above the $56,146 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 14.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Agricultural Mechanization career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #1 of 10 programs, this Agricultural Mechanization program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The limited growth from $63,321 to $73,127 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.