Compare 54 Plant Sciences. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $45,106. Top programs: $70,421+.
The highest-earning Plant Sciences program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 54 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
California State University-Fresno's Plant Sciences program leads with graduates earning $70,421. The story challenges assumptions—a CSU campus outperforms more prestigious institutions while the program average sits at $45,106. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo follows at $64,619, with Northwest Missouri State at $58,493, proving regional publics dominate this field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. California State University-Fresno graduates borrow $14,505 and face just a 4.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader.
Highest program earnings: $70,421
Strong outcomes with 96% acceptance
4.2% payment burden | Excellent
8.1% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $70,421 | 69 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Good | |
| #2 | $64,619 | 65 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $58,493 | 21 | $21,500 | Good | $15,803 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $58,296 | 43 | $23,250 | Good | $18,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $56,415 | 33 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $56,370 | 23 | $21,500 | Good | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $56,340 | 37 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $54,901 | 17 | $20,500 | Good | $11,092 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $52,883 | 31 | $21,977 | Good | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $52,809 | 55 | $21,000 | Good | $25,798 | Challenging | |
| #11 | University Of IdahoPublic | $51,811 | 25 | $21,982 | Good | $21,162 | Challenging |
| #12 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $50,545 | 133 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | High |
| #13 | Utah State UniversityPublic | $50,220 | 38 | $14,340 | Excellent | $13,923 | Manageable |
| #14 | University Of WyomingPublic | $49,935 | 27 | $18,000 | Good | $16,000 | Challenging |
| #15 | $49,601 | 28 | $20,500 | Good | $32,529 | High | |
| #16 | Delaware Valley UniversityPrivate | $49,226 | 8 | $25,000 | Manageable | $52,335 | High |
| #17 | $49,073 | 27 | $20,500 | Good | $14,500 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $49,048 | 13 | $23,199 | Manageable | $14,621 | Challenging | |
| #19 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $48,747 | 57 | $21,000 | Good | $43,605 | High |
| #20 | $48,432 | 53 | $19,500 | Good | $12,719 | Challenging | |
| #21 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $47,890 | 71 | $21,250 | Good | $27,283 | High |
| #22 | $46,262 | 40 | $19,976 | Good | $25,868 | High | |
| #23 | $45,554 | 54 | $20,121 | Manageable | $23,000 | High | |
| #24 | $45,166 | 52 | $21,500 | Manageable | $35,325 | High | |
| #25 | $45,163 | 45 | $17,804 | Good | $32,258 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
