Location: Chadron, NE•In-State Tuition: $8,078
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,558
24th percentile
Median Debt
$15,989
22% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.44 ManageableSample: 28 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Chadron State's Plant Sciences program sits in the middle of Nebraska's limited options for this field, but the earnings tell a concerning story. While graduates start $5,600 below the state median and nearly $6,200 below the national average, they're earning solidly more than Nebraska's typical early-career worker (around $32,000). The 40th percentile state ranking means you're essentially looking at the lower-performing of two Nebraska options—and that gap is substantial, with UNL graduates earning $11,000 more annually.

The silver lining is manageable debt at $16,000, well below both state and national medians for this field. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable, and the 15% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates aren't trapped in dead-end roles. For a family considering this against UNL, you're trading roughly $11,000 in annual earning potential for potentially lower tuition costs and a smaller campus environment.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, making this a riskier bet than programs with more robust data. For students passionate about plant sciences who need to stay close to home or prefer Chadron's setting, this works as an affordable entry point—but those with flexibility should seriously compare the long-term earning potential at UNL against any tuition savings here.

Where Chadron State College Stands

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

Chadron State CollegeOther plant sciences programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Chadron State College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Chadron State College earns $37k — 24th percentile among plant sciences bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Chadron State College$36,558$42,012+15%
California State University-Fresno$60,443$70,421+17%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$63,129$64,619+2%
California State University-Chico$43,944$61,533+40%
University of Nebraska-Lincoln$47,716$52,809+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Chadron State CollegeChadron$8,078$36,558$42,012$15,9890.44
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$47,716$52,809$21,8750.46
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 Chadron State College, approximately 36% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.