Plant Sciences at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's Plant Sciences program produces graduates earning right at the national median ($42,712 versus $42,786 nationally), but the real advantage shows up in the debt picture. With graduates leaving owing just $16,105—about $4,400 below the national median—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 ranks among the more manageable outcomes in agriculture-related fields. Among Ohio's two programs in this discipline, this one performs at the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt notably lower than typical.

The earnings trajectory looks solid, with graduates seeing an 8% increase by year four. Starting in the low $40s won't make headlines, but it's consistent with the realities of agricultural science careers, where advancement often comes through specialization or graduate training. The manageable debt load means graduates have flexibility to pursue additional credentials or entry-level positions in research, agronomy, or crop consulting without crushing payment obligations.

For families comfortable with the typical agricultural science earnings path, this represents a fiscally sound choice—particularly for in-state students who can further reduce that already-reasonable debt figure. The combination of a well-regarded land-grant institution and below-average debt creates room for graduates to build careers in this field without financial strain.