Location: San Luis Obispo, CA•In-State Tuition: $11,075•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,995•Admission Rate: 30%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$63,129
95th percentile
80th percentile in California
Median Debt
$16,666
19% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.26 ManageableSample: 49 graduates

Analysis

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Plant Sciences program ranks as the top-earning option in California and stands in the 95th percentile nationally—remarkable performance in a field where the typical graduate earns around $43,000. First-year graduates here earn $63,000, roughly $18,000 more than the California median and $20,000 above the national figure. The debt load of $16,666 translates to a 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can cover their student loans with roughly three months of earnings.

The program does show minimal earnings growth between years one and four, which is common in agricultural sciences where early career salaries can represent a more sustained plateau rather than a steep climb. Still, starting at $63,000 provides a cushion that many plant science graduates elsewhere don't have. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and the 30% admission rate indicates this isn't a back-door option—you're getting a competitive program with strong agricultural industry connections.

For parents weighing STEM options, this demonstrates that not all science degrees follow the same pattern. Cal Poly SLO's hands-on "learn by doing" approach and proximity to California's massive agricultural industry clearly translate into employment outcomes that outpace even UC Davis, traditionally known for agricultural programs. If your child is genuinely interested in plant sciences, this represents strong value with manageable debt.

Where California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all plant sciences bachelors's programs nationally

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoOther plant sciences programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates compare to all programs nationally

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo earns $63k — 95th percentile among plant sciences bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$63,129$64,619+2%
California State University-Fresno$60,443$70,421+17%
California State University-Chico$43,944$61,533+40%
Northwest Missouri State University$47,170$58,493+24%
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona$46,152$43,825-5%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$63,129$64,619$16,6660.26
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$60,443$70,421$13,0000.22
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$46,152$43,825$13,5000.29
California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata$7,913$44,038———
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$43,944$61,533$15,0000.34
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$43,873———
National Median—$42,786—$20,5000.48

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with plant sciences graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.