Best colleges for Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs by graduate earnings are University of Massachusetts-Amherst ($34,600), University of Arizona ($30,988) and University of Delaware ($29,598), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Amherst, MA): $34,600, 68 graduates a year
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): $30,988, 87 graduates a year
- University of Delaware (Newark, DE): $29,598, 65 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $28,939, 70 graduates a year
- The University of Findlay (Findlay, OH): $27,043, 83 graduates a year
Compare 33 U.S. colleges offering Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 23 states.
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $29,598 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 01.13 and the Agricultural Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs programs
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs prepare students for careers in agricultural and veterinary sciences. This program is ideal for individuals interested in animal care, crop production, and the management of agricultural operations. Students gain foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in various agricultural settings.
Learn more about Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active learning. Coursework typically covers topics in food production, biology, chemistry, and mathematics, equipping students with the knowledge needed for effective agricultural practices.
Top 5 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,600 | 68 | 83% | — | $24,388 |
| 2 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,988 | 87 | 68% | — | $18,522 |
| 3 | University of Delaware Newark, DE Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,598 | 65 | 81% | — | $25,334 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,939 | 70 | 86% | — | $27,000 |
| 5 | The University of Findlay Findlay, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $27,043 | 83 | 58% | $23,128 | $26,155 |
Specializations within Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
2 of the 2 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 01.13 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 23 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | $34,600 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | $30,988 | University of Arizona |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | $29,598 | University of Delaware |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | $28,939 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | $27,043 | The University of Findlay |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowa | 3 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippi | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4012, Agricultural Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs can expect a job outlook that is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 4.3%. There are approximately 2,900 annual openings, and the median wage for related positions is $46,790. An associate's degree is typically required for entry-level roles in this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 01.13.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 01.13 (Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 19-4012 | Agricultural Techniciansprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
Common questions
What is the focus of Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs?+
These programs focus on agricultural and veterinary sciences, preparing students for careers in animal care and crop production.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and knowledge in biology, chemistry, and food production.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 4.3% and approximately 2,900 openings each year.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require at least an associate's degree.
How much do Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs graduates earn?+
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $29,598, College Scorecard (2019); the Agricultural Technicians occupation pays about $53,840 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs?+
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs maps to CIP 01.13 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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.
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