Location: Maryville, MO•In-State Tuition: $10,181•Out-of-State Tuition: $16,623•Admission Rate: 86%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,170
74th percentile
Median Debt
$23,818
16% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.50 ManageableSample: 25 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Northwest Missouri State's plant sciences program punches above its weight nationally but falls in the middle of Missouri's pack. First-year earnings of $47,170 land graduates in the 74th percentile nationally—well above the typical $42,786 for plant sciences programs. However, within Missouri, where agricultural programs are strong, it ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing Southeast Missouri State but significantly ahead of Missouri State-Springfield.

The debt picture looks particularly attractive: $23,818 represents the 10th percentile nationally, meaning 90% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. This translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates earn roughly twice what they owe. The 24% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests real career progression, with median pay reaching nearly $58,500.

The significant caveat here is sample size. With fewer than 30 graduates in the data, a few outliers could skew these numbers substantially. That said, the combination of below-average debt and above-average starting pay creates cushion even if actual outcomes vary. For students committed to plant sciences and comfortable at a regional campus, this represents solid preparation at a reasonable cost—just don't treat these exact figures as gospel given the limited data.

Where Northwest Missouri State University Stands

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

Northwest Missouri State UniversityOther plant sciences programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Northwest Missouri State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwest Missouri State University earns $47k — 74th percentile among plant sciences bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Northwest Missouri State University$47,170$58,493+24%
California State University-Fresno$60,443$70,421+17%
Southeast Missouri State University$48,546$56,370+16%
University of Missouri-Columbia$46,627$49,601+6%
Missouri State University-Springfield$36,173$40,554+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville$10,181$47,170$58,493$23,8180.50
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau$9,496$48,546$56,370$15,7890.33
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia$14,130$46,627$49,601$17,9830.39
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield$9,024$36,173$40,554$18,4870.51
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 Northwest Missouri State University, approximately 27% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.