Skip to main content

Best Value Plant Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Washington State University delivers the strongest earning potential for Plant Sciences graduates at $56,415 annually, nearly doubling the $29,685 starting point at New Mexico State University. This stark earnings range of $26,730 reflects the field's varied career paths, from agricultural research positions in the Pacific Northwest's seed industry to crop consulting roles across varied regional markets. The most affordable programs cluster around $6,000 to $8,000 net cost, with University of Florida leading at just $6,351 despite maintaining a competitive 91.50% graduation rate. California's agricultural economy drives strong employment demand for plant specialists, particularly in crop management and biotechnology sectors that serve the state's $50 billion agricultural output. Schools like Cal State Fresno capitalize on this proximity to major growing regions, producing graduates who enter the workforce with practical field experience and industry connections that translate into stable career trajectories.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $23,897
Net Price Range
$38,514
Avg. Program Earnings
65.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Plant Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,480 $50,606 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
2 $8,896 $45,696 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
3 $6,351 $31,038 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $6,747 $29,685 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
5 $10,874 $44,830 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
6 $11,504 $45,696 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
7 $10,204 $40,048 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
8 $14,401 $56,415 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
9 $13,339 $45,696 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
10 $11,779 $38,289 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
11 $14,059 $45,696 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
12 $14,824 $47,260 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
13 $14,754 $46,321 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
14 $14,838 $45,181 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
15 $13,167 $39,927 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
16 $18,219 $55,151 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
17 $11,580 $33,993 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
18 $14,714 $43,128 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
19 $13,085 $38,289 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
20 $12,869 $37,568 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
21 $15,624 $44,869 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
22 $17,424 $44,666 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
23 $18,165 $46,395 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
24 $13,782 $33,993 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
25 $15,288 $36,852 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
26 $15,501 $36,992 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
27 $17,883 $41,565 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
28 $20,841 $48,432 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
29 $17,218 $39,729 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
30 $15,201 $35,060 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
31 $18,292 $41,464 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
32 $16,177 $35,416 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
33 $16,928 $35,060 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
34 $16,931 $34,526 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
35 $12,599 $25,281 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
36 $22,886 $45,696 $20,366 83.8% 54.5%
37 $12,997 $25,774 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
38 $13,308 $25,967 $8,078 38.1%
39 $19,889 $36,131 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
40 $17,502 $31,708 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
41 $12,684 $22,892 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
42 $17,722 $31,915 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
43 $23,897 $40,896 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
44 $20,751 $35,060 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
45 $20,593 $33,993 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
46 $19,568 $31,915 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
47 $16,607 $26,353 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
48 $23,790 $36,312 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
49 $22,112 $33,565 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
50 $17,980 $26,715 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying Plant Sciences programs?

Washington State University graduates earn $56,415 compared to $29,685 at New Mexico State University, a difference of $26,730 annually. This gap reflects regional job markets, with Pacific Northwest graduates often entering higher-paying positions in seed technology and research. Geographic location plays a major role, as states with larger agricultural industries and biotech sectors typically offer better compensation. The 61.60% graduation rate at Washington State also suggests more rigorous programs that prepare students for competitive positions.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Plant Sciences?

University of Florida achieves a 91.50% graduation rate at just $6,351 net cost, proving that affordable programs can maintain high completion standards. Texas A&M Kingsville shows the opposite trend with a 45.60% graduation rate despite moderate $10,204 costs. Cal State Humboldt demonstrates similar challenges with 46.60% completion rates, suggesting that location and student support services matter more than price alone. The data shows no clear correlation between higher costs and better graduation outcomes in this field.

Is student debt a significant concern for Plant Sciences graduates?

Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with University of Florida graduates carrying just $13,015 in debt while earning $31,038 annually. University of Minnesota-Crookston represents the higher end at $19,763 debt, but graduates earn $44,830 to offset borrowing costs. Washington State graduates face $15,828 in debt but command $56,415 salaries, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. The agricultural sector's steady employment demand helps graduates manage debt payments effectively across most programs.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Plant Sciences?

University of Florida maintains the most selective admissions at 23.35% acceptance while delivering strong outcomes with 91.50% graduation rates and reasonable costs. Most programs accept 85-98% of applicants, suggesting the field welcomes qualified students rather than creating artificial scarcity. University of Minnesota-Crookston accepts 57.22% of applicants but produces graduates earning $44,830, showing that moderate selectivity can align with strong career preparation. High acceptance rates often reflect industry demand for trained plant scientists rather than weak academic standards.

Where do Plant Sciences graduates find the best return on investment?

University of Florida offers strong value with $6,351 costs, $31,038 earnings, and 91.50% graduation rates, creating strong ROI despite modest salaries. Cal State Fresno provides another solid option at $6,480 with $50,606 earnings in California's agricultural market. Washington State delivers the highest absolute returns with $56,415 salaries offsetting $14,401 costs through premium job placements. Regional agricultural economies significantly impact ROI, with programs near major farming operations typically offering better career prospects and earning potential.

More Plant Sciences Rankings

Cheapest Plant Sciences Plant Sciences Under $20,000

Related

All Plant Sciences Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.