Plant Sciences at Missouri State University-Springfield
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Missouri State's Plant Sciences graduates earn significantly less than their in-state peers—ranking in just the 25th percentile among Missouri programs with first-year earnings of $36,173. That's $10,725 below the state median and trails competing programs like Southeast Missouri State ($48,546) and Mizzou ($46,627) by substantial margins. Even against modest national benchmarks, this program underperforms, landing in the 21st percentile.
The debt situation offers limited consolation. While $18,487 is reasonable in absolute terms and slightly below the state median, it translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—manageable but not impressive when paired with below-average starting salaries. Earnings do grow 12% by year four, reaching $40,554, but that still leaves graduates trailing where other Missouri programs start. For context, the typical Plant Sciences major nationally earns $42,786 right out of college.
If your child is committed to Plant Sciences and wants to stay in Missouri, this program represents the weaker end of the state's offerings. The low starting salary creates real constraints on early-career financial flexibility, even with modest debt. Given Missouri State's 91% admission rate, students who can gain acceptance here likely have options at higher-performing state programs worth exploring first.
Where Missouri State University-Springfield Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all plant sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Missouri State University-Springfield graduates compare to all programs nationally
Missouri State University-Springfield graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 21th percentile of all plant sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $36,173 | $40,554 | $18,487 | 0.51 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $48,546 | $56,370 | $15,789 | 0.33 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | $47,170 | $58,493 | $23,818 | 0.50 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $46,627 | $49,601 | $17,983 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $42,786 | — | $20,500 | 0.48 |
Other Plant Sciences Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau | $9,496 | $48,546 | $15,789 |
| Northwest Missouri State University Maryville | $10,181 | $47,170 | $23,818 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $46,627 | $17,983 |
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 Missouri State University-Springfield, approximately 21% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.