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B.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics

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$83,770
Median industry Pay (U.S. BLS 2023)

today
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms

place
Tucson/Main
CAMPUS

Master the data and problem-solving skills to tackle business, food, and environmental issues at a global scale.

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Why major in Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE)?

With our Agricultural and Applied Economics degree you'll build the quantitative and analytical skills to tackle real problems in food, business, water, and environmental sectors. 

You'll choose the emphasis that's right for you! You can dig into the financial strategies behind agribusiness and global food systems, or shape the policies that drive sustainable resource management. Whichever direction you choose, you'll graduate with the tools to make a meaningful impact across a wide range of industries.

We pride ourselves on offering smaller class sizes that allow each student to fully engage with our faculty and staff from the very beginning. You'll be able to receive 1:1 mentoring, career-focused guidance, course and advising support, and unrestricted access to all of our featured resources at CALES.

Application requirements vary based on your status as a first-time, transfer, international, online or returning student.

  • Students who haven't completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits are considered a first-time college student, and must meet Arizona's core competency requirements to be eligible to apply.
  • You are considered a transfer student if you have completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits.
    • If you are under the age of 22 at the start of your desired term, you will need to meet the core competency requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
    • If you are 22 or older at the start of your desired term, you will need a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
  • SAT/ACT scores are not required for general admission.
  • You have the option to submit a resume and 500-word personal statement during your application.

Request info to find out more details about the application process and deadlines.

A degree in agricultural and applied economics prepares you for careers and graduate programs in agricultural policy, management and business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for agricultural managers was $87,980 per year and the median pay for economists was $115,440 per year (2024).

Although your career possibilities are limitless, here are some example career paths our students follow:

  • Financial analyst: Develop and lead industry research, prepare industry updates, and review and assess emerging risks associated with investing in various industries.
  • Environmental Policy Analyst: Evaluate the impacts of environmental and agricultural regulations using economic tools, including benefit-cost analysis and empirical methods, to inform decision-making in
    government or policy organizations.
  • Farm or Ranch Manager: Hire and supervise farm and livestock workers as you plan, direct, and coordinate efficient, sustainable site operations.
  • Data Analyst (Environmental, Resource, or Policy): Use econometric, statistical, and spatial tools (including GIS) to analyze environmental and policy-related data.

Learn to think like an economist using data, research, and analytical models to develop data-driven solutions for real problems. You'll be able to evaluate company finances, analyze environmental policies, or even design your own research.

Check out our curriculum guide to learn more about the AAE degree requirements.

Some of the courses you'll have the opportunity to explore include:

  • Understanding the World of Commerce
  • Economics of Futures Markets 
  • Agricultural and Food Marketing
  • Competing for Water in the American West
  • Environmental Law and Economics

College is a big investment, but a University of Arizona education may be more affordable than you think. No matter your background or family’s financial situation, you have options to make it manageable.

At Arizona, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid. That means most students pay less than the estimates shown here. By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.

Estimated cost of tuition for first-year and transfer students:

  • Arizona residents: $13,900/yr
  • Non-Arizona residents: $42,300/yr

Request info to learn how students like you are funding their futures.

Program Emphases

Once admitted to the agribusiness degree, you'll choose an emphasis to focus your studies on:

Agribusiness Economics and Management Emphasis

Focus on the business, management and financial strategies behind production in a global food system.

Environmental Economics and Policy Emphasis

Explore policy and sustainability through economics, data, and resource management.