Compare 55 Plant Sciences. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $52,626. Top programs: $82,487+.
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 | $82,487 | 49 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $78,494 | 36 | $23,250 | Excellent | $18,000 | Good | |
| #3 | $77,034 | 63 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $72,335 | 26 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #5 | $68,629 | 15 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Good | |
| #6 | $66,714 | 23 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #7 | $66,513 | 52 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $63,279 | 30 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $62,957 | 33 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $61,946 | 51 | $21,000 | Excellent | $25,798 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $61,587 | 38 | $20,500 | Excellent | $30,610 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $61,397 | 23 | $20,500 | Excellent | $11,000 | Good | |
| #13 | $61,085 | 36 | $21,977 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #14 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $60,997 | 89 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | Challenging |
| #15 | $59,732 | 27 | $20,500 | Excellent | $14,500 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $59,240 | 13 | $20,500 | Excellent | $11,092 | Manageable | |
| #17 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $58,960 | 25 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Challenging |
| #18 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $58,603 | 43 | $21,250 | Good | $27,283 | Challenging |
| #19 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $57,950 | 62 | $21,221 | Good | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #20 | $56,812 | 25 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $56,630 | 46 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | High | |
| #22 | $56,415 | 20 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $56,265 | 27 | $21,500 | Good | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Chadron State CollegePublic | $53,484 | 28 | $18,875 | Good | $10,035 | Manageable |
| #25 | University Of FloridaPublic | $53,270 | 64 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Manageable |
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 →
