The benefits of undergraduate student research in the natural sciences, including gains in analytical and critical thinking skills, written communication and self-assurance, has been well-documented. This study was designed to assess the value of undergraduate research experiences among agricultural business stu¬dents. Over 500 alumni who graduated from California Polytechnic State University over the last few decades responded to a survey administered in 2013. Results reveal the value of undergraduate research in agricul¬tural economics to students’ career and personal devel¬opment as well as the potential for changing perceptions of the benefits over time. A critical issue for agricultural economics departments is how to allocate resources in order to most cost-effectively provide research experi¬ence in the undergraduate curriculum.