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Agricultural Business and Management at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $51,222/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (398,100 openings/yr)

ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (10.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #19 of 77 Agricultural Business and Management programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural Business and Management graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$558K	$552K	$506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.0x	14.8x	13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.9x	10.8x	9.9x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	68	68	60

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (10.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,000

5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,893

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

South Dakota State University's Agricultural Business and Management graduates start at $51,222/yr — above the $48,075 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 14.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Agricultural Business and Management career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,000 in median debt clears quickly against $51,222 in annual earnings.

South Dakota State University ranks #19 among 77 Agricultural Business and Management programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $51,222 to $62,893 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Dakota State University

A 99% acceptance rate means South Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota State University →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Business and Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Dakota State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Business and Management at South Dakota State University?

At 68/100, South Dakota State University's Agricultural Business and Management program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Business and Management at South Dakota State University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is South Dakota State University one of the best schools for Agricultural Business and Management?

Among 77 Agricultural Business and Management programs, South Dakota State University's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →