Botany/Plant Biology at Iowa State University

Iowa State's botany program produces graduates earning slightly above the national median ($34,442 vs. $33,009), though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What's more notable is the debt picture: graduates leave with about $3,000 less debt than the typical botany major nationwide, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that's manageable by any standard. Since Iowa State is the only school in the state offering this bachelor's program, the in-state comparison is limited, but the lower debt burden suggests the program delivers reasonable value for Iowa residents paying in-state tuition.

The caveat here is significant. With such a small cohort, one or two graduates taking unusual career paths—or not finding work immediately—could dramatically change these numbers. The program does place in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings, but that ranking becomes less meaningful when the earnings gap is only $1,400 above the national median. For students committed to plant science careers, the combination of slightly higher earnings and notably lower debt is encouraging, but families should recognize this is a niche field with limited employment pathways.

If your child is genuinely passionate about plant biology and understands the career limitations, the debt load here won't be crippling. Just don't treat these specific earnings figures as gospel—they're based on too few graduates to be predictive.