Agronomy
63 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
The Agronomy Associate Degree program focuses on the principles and practices of crop production and field management. Production management centers on the science of strategically managing land, water, plants, labor and other inputs, such as seeds, nutrients, pesticides and precision agriculture technologies to produce food and fiber in a sustainable and profitable manner. Practical hands-on learning opportunities are infused with theory throughout the program.
Studies include the four major categories of crop management: soil and crop management, pest management, nutrient management and water management. Learners will actively manage cropland acres and complete an internship work experience. Jobs in this area are generally physical and require the strength to lift and carry 50 pounds. Learners interested in this career should have a valid driver’s license to operate equipment, above average computer skills and possess good oral, reading and writing skills. In addition, professionals in this area tend to spend a great deal of their time working outdoors.
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Approximate Program Cost
$12,069
Tuition & Fees:
$11,194
Books & Supplies: $875
Books & Supplies: $875
Starting Salary
$24,960–$42,120
Average,
based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report
Financial Aid
Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
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Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
Courses
The Agronomy Associate Degree is a 63 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
View All Detailed Course Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is strategically embedded throughout this program to strengthen experiential learning, reflect current agricultural practices and prepare students for data-driven field management. Aligned with NTC’s AIM Framework — Active Learning, Industry Inspired and Mapped to the Competencies — AI enables students to apply agronomic theory to real-world decision-making that supports sustainable and profitable crop production.
First, AI enhances active learning through immersive simulation and forecasting tools. Students engage with the Simformotion spray simulator, drone flight simulators and tractor guidance simulators to practice precision agriculture skills in a safe, controlled environment. The farm offers direct experience with industry standard equipment as well, such as state of the art autonomous controls. In addition, learners interact with Wisconsin-specific disease and pest forecasting models, using AI-supported predictions to evaluate risk, timing and treatment strategies. These experiences help students connect environmental conditions to management decisions while strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Second, AI integration is strongly industry inspired. Students work with aerial mapping drones and product application drones featuring fully autonomous operation modes. Using AI-driven field data and forecasting outputs, learners develop custom, prescriptive agronomy solutions, including variable-rate and targeted applications. This mirrors how agricultural professionals use AI to improve efficiency, reduce input waste and minimize environmental impact.
Finally, AI use is intentionally mapped to program competencies across soil and crop management, pest management, nutrient management and water management. AI-informed projects, managed cropland activities and internship experiences allow students to demonstrate measurable skills in analysis, communication and adaptive decision-making.
Together, these AI-enhanced learning experiences prepare graduates to confidently manage complex agricultural systems and succeed in an evolving, technology-driven industry.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Pathways
Pathways at NTC are designed to help you progress toward your career and education goals, one step at a time. Many programs are structured to build upon each other, allowing you to earn valuable credentials along the way.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn credit towards this Agronomy Associate Degree:
The Agronomy Technician Technical Diploma will provide you with 48% (30 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Agronomy Associate Degree
Transfer Information
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2025–2026 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College uses the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies.
| Expenses | Student Living With Parents (Home) | Student Living on Own (Other) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Tuition (based on a total of 30 credits, 15 credits fall and 15 credits spring) |
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| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $3,182 | $10,305 | ||
| Books / Supplies | $1,463 | $1,463 | ||
| Transportation | $4,103 | $4,103 | ||
| Personal Expenses | $3,065 | $3,065 | ||
| Loan Fees | $85 | $85 | ||
| Total Estimated Cost Of Attendance |
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* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2025–2026 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and estimated budgets are updated at that time.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Wisconsin Resident tuition rate is $152.85 per credit plus a minimum $5.00 material fee and $13.44 per credit activity fee. Out-of-State resident tuition is $229.28 per credit plus a minimum $5.00 material fee and $13.44 per credit activity fee.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees visit https://www.ntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
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NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Before you apply, you should know
The majority of the courses in this program take place at NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence, located at 6625 County Road K, Wausau, WI.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.