Agricultural Engineering at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,864/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.4x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 21 Agricultural Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $897K $869K $750K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.4x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.5x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 68% 51%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,188
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Kentucky's Agricultural Engineering graduates start at $51,864/yr, trailing the $64,972 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Agricultural Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Agricultural Engineering's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,500 in median debt clears quickly against $51,864 in annual earnings.

At #10 of 21 Agricultural Engineering programs, University of Kentucky scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $90,188 show a 74% jump from the $51,864 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Kentucky

A 92% acceptance rate means University of Kentucky is accessible to most applicants, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
Agricultural engineers $84,630/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Agricultural Engineering at University of Kentucky?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Agricultural Engineering field.
Will AI replace Agricultural Engineering careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $749,672 in decade earnings vs $897,046 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Agricultural Engineering from University of Kentucky?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →