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Cheapest Plant Sciences Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Fresno stands out with the highest earning potential among affordable Plant Sciences programs at $50,606 annually, nearly double the national average for graduates in this field. With net costs ranging from $6,351 at University of Florida to $12,869 at Utah State University, students can access quality education without crushing debt loads. The agricultural sector employs over 2.6 million Americans, with the West Coast and Southeast regions driving much of the innovation in crop development and sustainable farming practices. University of Florida combines the lowest net cost with a strong 91.50% graduation rate, while acceptance rates vary dramatically from highly selective College of the Ozarks at 21.13% to nearly open admission at several state schools approaching 96%. These programs typically prepare graduates for careers in agricultural research, crop consulting, and food production management, fields experiencing steady growth as climate adaptation becomes increasingly important for food security.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $17,139
Net Price Range
$37,849
Avg. Program Earnings
62.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Plant Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
5 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
6 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
7 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
8 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
9 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
10 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
11 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
12 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
13 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
14 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
15 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
16 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
17 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
18 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
19 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
20 $13,308 $8,078 38.1%
21 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
22 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
23 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
24 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
25 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
26 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
27 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
28 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
29 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
30 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
31 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
32 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
33 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
34 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
35 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
36 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
37 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
38 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
39 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
40 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
41 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
42 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
43 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
44 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
45 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
46 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
47 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
48 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
49 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
50 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Fresno graduates earn significantly more than other affordable programs?

Fresno graduates earn $50,606 annually, reflecting the school's location in California's Central Valley agricultural center. The region produces over 400 different crops and generates $50 billion in agricultural revenue annually. Students gain direct access to internships and jobs with major agribusiness companies. The program's focus on practical applications in one of America's most productive farming regions directly translates to higher starting salaries.

How do graduation rates compare between the most affordable options?

University of Florida achieves a 91.50% graduation rate at just $6,351 net cost, demonstrating that affordability doesn't compromise student success. California State University-Fresno maintains a 54.80% rate while Oklahoma Panhandle State struggles with only 26.10% completion. The data shows a clear correlation between institutional resources and student outcomes. Schools with stronger agricultural industry connections tend to have higher retention rates.

Is the College of the Ozarks worth considering despite its selectivity?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21.13% of applicants but offers a $7,669 net cost for a private education. Students work on campus to offset tuition costs through the school's work-study program. The 61.30% graduation rate falls between public options but provides smaller class sizes and personalized attention. This unique model appeals to students seeking hands-on agricultural experience with minimal debt.

Does geographic location significantly impact post-graduation earnings in Plant Sciences?

Regional job markets create substantial earning differences, with California and Connecticut programs showing higher graduate salaries. University of Connecticut graduates earn $45,696 while Puerto Rico graduates start at $22,892, reflecting local economic conditions. Agricultural research positions concentrate in university towns and major farming regions. Students should consider both program cost and regional career opportunities when making decisions.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

University of Florida offers strong value with $6,351 net cost, 91.50% graduation rate, and $31,038 average earnings. California State University-Fresno provides the highest earnings at $50,606 for just $6,480 net cost. Texas A&M-Kingsville balances moderate costs at $10,204 with strong earnings potential at $40,048. These three schools demonstrate that students don't need to sacrifice quality for affordability in Plant Sciences education.

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