Best colleges for International Agriculture
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 10 U.S. colleges offering International Agriculture by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 9 states.
International Agriculture programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,068 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 01.07 and the Food Scientists and Technologists occupation (BLS SOC).
About International Agriculture programs
The International Agriculture program focuses on the cultivation and production of food and non-food crops, as well as livestock management in a global context. It is designed for students interested in understanding agricultural practices that impact food security, sustainability, and international trade. This program prepares graduates to tackle challenges in agriculture on a worldwide scale.
Students in the International Agriculture program will gain core skills in active learning, critical thinking, and science, alongside knowledge in food production, chemistry, and engineering. Coursework may cover food safety, processing standards, and methods to enhance food quality and nutritional value.
Top 1 institutions, 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 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $52,068 | 7 | 75% | — | $22,250 |
Specializations within International Agriculture
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 01.07 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 9 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowalimited | 1 | $52,068 | Iowa State University |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1012, Food Scientists and Technologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the International Agriculture program can expect a favorable job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 6.5% and approximately 1,200 annual openings. Typical careers in this field require a Bachelor's degree, with a median wage of $85,310, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in agricultural sciences.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for International Agriculture
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 01.07.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 01.07 (International Agriculture) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 19-1012 | Food Scientists and Technologistsprimary |
| 25-1041 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in International Agriculture 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
- Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
- Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
- Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
- Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
- Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
- Study the structure and composition of food or the changes foods undergo in storage and processing.
Common questions
What is International Agriculture?+
It is a program focused on global agricultural practices, including food and livestock production.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, science, and active learning, along with knowledge in food production and safety.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is favorable, with a growth rate of 6.5% and about 1,200 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for graduates?+
The median wage for graduates in this field is $85,310.
How much do International Agriculture graduates earn?+
International Agriculture graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,068, College Scorecard (2019); the Food Scientists and Technologists occupation pays about $95,360 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for International Agriculture?+
International Agriculture maps to CIP 01.07 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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