Agricultural Business Degree in Worcester, MA — Salary & ROI 2026
Agricultural Business degree analysis for Worcester, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$61K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$84K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
7.4 yrs
in Worcester
Cost of Living
117
index (100 = avg)
Agricultural Business in Worcester, MA Overview
Worcester, Massachusetts (pop. 206,518) has 11 colleges offering Agricultural Business programs. The local cost of living index of 117 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,228/month. Agricultural Business enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Farm Management and Commodity Markets. The adjusted starting salary in Worcester is approximately $60,840.
Category
Agriculture
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$16,670/yr
Private Tuition
$56,344/yr
Room & Board
$20,077/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$15,422/yr
Unemployment
5.2%
Graduation Rate
51%
Agricultural Business Salary in Worcester (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Worcester's cost of living index of 117 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Agricultural Business salary: $52,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Worcester adjustment factor: 1.17x based on the local cost of living index.
Agricultural Business ROI Calculator for Worcester
Estimate your return on investment for a Agricultural Business degree using local Worcester tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $16,670 | Private avg: $56,344
Worcester avg aid: $15,422/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$146,988
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$19,890
vs HS diploma in Worcester
ROI Payback Period
7.4 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Worcester
$555,012
Lifetime earnings premium ($702,000) minus total education cost ($146,988)
Student Loan Payoff for Agricultural Business in Worcester
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Worcester for Agricultural Business
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
private
$56,818/yr
$227,272 total
College of the Holy Cross
private
$55,870/yr
$223,480 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Quinsigamond Community College
$5,760/yr
Top Employers for Agricultural Business in Worcester
Worcester offers opportunities in Agribusiness, Government agencies, Research institutes for Agricultural Business graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Worcester Hiring Sectors for Agriculture
Agribusiness
Government agencies
Research institutes
Food companies
Conservation orgs
Common Agricultural Business Job Titles
Agricultural Business in Nearby Massachusetts Cities
Boston, MA
$71K starting · COL 137
24 colleges
Springfield, MA
$69K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Cambridge, MA
$69K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Lowell, MA
$59K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Brockton, MA
$56K starting · COL 108.5
5 colleges
Quincy, MA
$67K starting · COL 128.5
4 colleges
New Bedford, MA
$53K starting · COL 102.5
4 colleges
Lynn, MA
$62K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Other Agriculture Majors in Worcester
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Agricultural Business degree outcomes in Worcester, MA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Agricultural Business programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Massachusetts.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Worcester using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Agricultural Business graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Agricultural Business career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Agricultural Business grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Worcester Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "massachusetts higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Agricultural Business Degree in Worcester — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Agricultural Business ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Worcester.