Best institutions to study Crop Production
A program that prepares individuals to cultivate grain, fiber, forage, oilseed, fruits and nuts, vegetables, and other domesticated plant products.
52 U.S. institutions graduated 526 Crop Production students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 01.0304, a specialization of Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03), and leads most directly to the First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation (BLS SOC 45-1011).
About Crop Production programs
A program that prepares individuals to cultivate grain, fiber, forage, oilseed, fruits and nuts, vegetables, and other domesticated plant products. Includes instruction in basic principles of plant science, health, and nutrition as applied to particular species and breeds; soil preparation and irrigation; pest management; planting and harvesting operations; product marketing; and applicable issues of safety, regulation, logistics, and supply.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Crop Production program, part of Agricultural Production Operations, prepares students to cultivate a variety of plant products, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. This program is ideal for individuals interested in agricultural science and those looking to develop the skills needed for successful crop management and production operations.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in plant science, soil preparation, pest management, and harvesting operations. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, monitoring, and effective communication skills essential for managing agricultural tasks and ensuring product safety and quality.
Credentials awarded
What Crop Production graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree311 graduates / yr · 36 institutions59%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year148 graduates / yr · 17 institutions28%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years40 graduates / yr · 8 institutions7.6%
- Bachelor's degree26 graduates / yr · 3 institutions4.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Crop Production completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 159 |
| 2013 | 216 |
| 2014 | 231 |
| 2015 | 238 |
| 2016 | 295 |
| 2017 | 251 |
| 2018 | 275 |
| 2019 | 383 |
| 2020 | 376 |
| 2021 | 347 |
| 2022 | 377 |
| 2023 | 505 |
| 2024 | 510 |
| 2025 | 526 |
Top 50 institutions for Crop Production, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reedley College Reedley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 108 | 42% | — | — |
| 2 | Coalinga College Coalinga, CAPublicAssociate's | 40 | 43% | — | — |
| 3 | Hartnell College Salinas, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 40% | — | — |
| 4 | Ventura College Ventura, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 38% | — | — |
| 5 | Merced College Merced, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 27 | 36% | — | — |
| 6 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 40% | — | — |
| 7 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, NDPublicBachelor's | 20 | 64% | — | $62,869 |
| 8 | Modesto Junior College Modesto, CAPublicAssociate's | 18 | 30% | — | — |
| 9 | College of the Sequoias Visalia, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 39% | — | — |
| 10 | Lake Land College Mattoon, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 58% | — | — |
| 11 | Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CAPublicAssociate's | 13 | 21% | — | — |
| 12 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPublicAssociate's | 13 | 85% | — | $35,198 |
| 13 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAssociate's | 12 | 45% | — | — |
| 14 | Imperial Valley College Imperial, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 45% | — | — |
| 15 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 81% | — | $35,978 |
| 16 | Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute Wooster, OHPublicAssociate's | 9 | 43% | — | $33,940 |
| 17 | San Diego City College San Diego, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 8 | 30% | — | — |
| 18 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAssociate's | 7 | 38% | — | — |
| 19 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst Amherst, MAPublicAssociate's | 7 | 83% | — | $25,439 |
| 20 | Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WAPublicAssociate's | 7 | 38% | — | — |
| 21 | Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CAPublicAssociate's | 6 | 26% | — | — |
| 22 | Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CAPublicAssociate's | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 23 | College of the Desert Palm Desert, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 31% | — | — |
| 24 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 58% | — | — |
| 25 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 50% | — | — |
| 26 | Madera Community College Madera, CAPublicAssociate's | 6 | 35% | — | — |
| 27 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 62% | — | — |
| 28 | Butte College Oroville, CAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 45% | — | — |
| 29 | College of the Redwoods Eureka, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 4 | 34% | — | — |
| 30 | Huntington University Huntington, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 64% | $13,056 | — |
| 31 | Clackamas Community College Oregon City, ORPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 23% | — | — |
| 32 | Arizona Western College Yuma, AZPublicAssociate's | 3 | 20% | — | — |
| 33 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 48% | — | — |
| 34 | Northeastern Junior College Sterling, COPublicAssociate's | 3 | 56% | — | — |
| 35 | Northwestern Michigan College Traverse City, MIPublicAssociate's | 3 | 25% | — | — |
| 36 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 56% | — | — |
| 37 | Clovis Community College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 3 | 45% | — | — |
| 38 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 68% | — | — |
| 39 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 68% | — | — |
| 40 | Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 46% | — | — |
| 41 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 35% | — | — |
| 42 | University of Idaho Moscow, IDPublicBachelor's | 2 | 57% | — | — |
| 43 | College of Lake County Grayslake, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 37% | — | — |
| 44 | Blue Mountain Community College Pendleton, ORPublicAssociate's | 2 | 30% | — | — |
| 45 | Northwest College Powell, WYPublicAssociate's | 2 | 49% | — | — |
| 46 | Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 49% | — | — |
| 47 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 48 | Shasta College Redding, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 23% | — | — |
| 49 | Lamar Community College Lamar, COPublicAssociate's | 1 | 55% | — | — |
| 50 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 53% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Agricultural Production Operations field (CIP 01.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 19 states
Where Crop Production graduates come from. Each state links to all Agricultural Production Operations programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 26 | 372 | Reedley College108 / yr |
| Indiana | 2 | 29 | Ivy Tech Community College25 / yr |
| North Dakota | 1 | 20 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus20 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 16 | Lake Land College14 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 14 | Michigan State University11 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 13 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh13 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 9 | Chippewa Valley Technical College6 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 9 | Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute9 / yr |
| Arizona | 3 | 7 | Arizona Western College3 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 7 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst7 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 7 | Walla Walla Community College7 / yr |
| Oregon | 2 | 6 | Clackamas Community College4 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 6 | Missouri State University - Springfield6 / yr |
| Colorado | 2 | 4 | Northeastern Junior College3 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 2 | University of Idaho2 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 2 | Northwest College2 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 1 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd1 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 1 | Western Oklahoma State College1 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | Texas Tech University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 45-1011, First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Crop Production program can pursue careers as First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, among other roles. With an expected job growth of 2.5% and approximately 8,500 annual openings, the median wage for these positions is $59,330, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 01.0304
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workersprimary SOC 45-1011 | $59,320 | +2.5% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers SOC 11-9013 | $89,900 | -1.3% Decline | ~85,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Farm and Home Management Educators SOC 25-9021 | $60,220 | -2.5% Decline | ~1,100 | Master's degree |
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1041 | $98,700 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Crop Production programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
- Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
- Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
- Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
- Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Tools and technology used
Other Agricultural Production Operations specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03).
- Agricultural Production OperationsCIP 01.0301968 graduates / yr63 institutions
- Animal/CIP 01.0302
Livestock Husbandry and Production 860 graduates / yr55 institutions - Agroecology and Sustainable AgricultureCIP 01.0308767 graduates / yr77 institutions
- Horse Husbandry/CIP 01.0307
Equine Science and Management 479 graduates / yr43 institutions - AquacultureCIP 01.0303131 graduates / yr18 institutions
- Dairy Husbandry and ProductionCIP 01.0306partial data63 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Agricultural Production OperationsCIP 01.0399limited data10 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Apiculture01.0310
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What types of degrees are offered in this program?+
The program offers an Associate's degree, awards of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, awards of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, and Bachelor's degrees.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 52 colleges in the U.S. that offer the Crop Production program.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for careers in crop production?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.5% and around 8,500 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Crop Production?+
Crop Production is CIP 01.0304 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Agricultural Production Operations (CIP 01.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to cultivate grain, fiber, forage, oilseed, fruits and nuts, vegetables, and other domesticated plant products. Includes instruction in basic principles of plant science, health, and nutrition as applied to particular species and breeds; soil preparation and irrigation; pest management; planting and harvesting operations; product marketing; and applicable issues of safety, regulation, logistics, and supply.
How many institutions offer Crop Production programs?+
52 U.S. institutions reported Crop Production graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 19 states, awarding 526 credentials in the year. That is 13.8% of all Agricultural Production Operations graduates.
How much do Crop Production graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation, which Crop Production most directly leads to, pays a median of $59,320 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Agricultural Production Operations field report median earnings of $35,198 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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