Placement
Students graduating with a degree in the agricultural economics department enjoy a 99% placement rate at graduation and an average starting salary of $48,938. Students choose from a vast number of careers in the food and agricultural industries – sales, management, commodity trading, financial lending, investment brokerage, product promotion, and many others.
Internships
Our students have access to a great number of internships. Internships that build your skills while allowing you apply to what you learned, make industry contacts, and gain the competitive edge.
FACT #1 - Ag Econ opens opportunities in business
Nearly one in five jobs in the United States is connected with the food and agricultural industry, and less than 3% are on-the-farm jobs. There is a strong need for Ag Economists. Additionally, the industry has a strong demand for non-farm skills in business, finance, sales, and marketing.
FACT #2 - Companies need ag economists
The U.S. food and agribusiness industry includes the following sectors – distribution, marketing, manufactured products, agricultural inputs, agricultural production, world markets, and services to these sectors. Ag Economists are needed in various types of companies – food manufacturers, food retailers, advertising and marketing firms, agricultural suppliers, government agencies, financial institutions, etc.
FACT #3 - The World needs ag economists
...the food and agricultural industry is seeing increased globalization. The industry needs individuals well-trained in business to better manage in a global system.
FACT #4 - Ag is big business
The food and agricultural industry contributes nearly one-fifth of the U.S. Gross National Product—America's largest industry. Graduates from Agricultural Economics programs are essential to the U.S. economy.
Comments from our former students
“Coming to Purdue has truly been the best choice I've ever made, I have found a home here not only in the College of Agriculture but in all of Purdue. “ – Jacquelyn Brown (Eagle Point, OR)
“As soon as I set foot on Purdue's campus, I began to truly understand that everyone who is a part of the university truly cares about students and their success as individuals and future industry professionals. Attending a large university could be overwhelming, but Purdue pushes students to get involved, develop as leaders, gain industry experience, excel academically, and enjoy life. This is a great combination, giving the university a compassionate vibe and allowing for a well-rounded college experience.” – Katie Carroll (Prather, CA)
“Purdue University has shown me that I have the power to make an impact.” – Andrew Johnson (Orleans, IN)
“I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend Purdue and study in the College of Agriculture. From learning how to shoot and edit videos in a multimedia class to studying abroad in Romania to networking with industry professionals, Purdue has allotted me with incredible opportunities that I am extremely thankful for. “ – Armenda Boyer (Kirklin, IN)
"My experience of being a student at Purdue has been such a blessing is so many ways. Although, if there is one area that has stuck out to me, it's the people. Purdue has felt more as a home to me than a college because of all the quality relationships I have been able to build with my time here." – Cody Walburn (Bluffton, IN)
"Majoring in Agricultural Economics at Purdue exposed me to a whole new world of opportunities. I was involved in a lot of organizations before college, but my experiences here have given me the chance to take leadership to a new level and empowered me to create positive change across the state." – Sarah Correll (Macy, (IN)
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