Location: New Brunswick, NJ•In-State Tuition: $17,239•Out-of-State Tuition: $36,001•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1383
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,362
23rd percentile
Median Debt
$17,881
13% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.49 ManageableSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Rutgers' Plant Sciences program starts graduates at $36,362—about $6,400 below the national median for this major. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the limited data suggests this program lags behind most peer institutions. While it's the only Plant Sciences bachelor's program tracked in New Jersey, nationally it ranks in just the 23rd percentile for earnings, meaning roughly three-quarters of similar programs elsewhere post stronger first-year outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $17,881, graduates carry less than the national median ($20,500), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. That means students can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a few years of graduation. For students considering agricultural or environmental careers—fields that often prioritize passion over paychecks—this reasonable debt load matters more than the earnings gap might suggest.

The core question is whether this program opens doors to the career paths your child wants. If they're committed to plant science and planning to stay in the region, Rutgers' strong agricultural network and research facilities could outweigh the modest starting salary. But if they're flexible on major or location, exploring programs at schools with stronger plant science earnings track records—or considering whether graduate school is the real goal here—would be worth the effort.

Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands

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

Rutgers University-New BrunswickOther plant sciences programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rutgers University-New Brunswick earns $36k — 23th percentile among plant sciences bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$36,362—$17,8810.49
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$63,129$64,619$16,6660.26
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$60,443$70,421$13,0000.22
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings$9,299$58,787$58,296$23,1250.39
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston$13,120$57,915$54,901$23,7930.41
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$50,115$47,890$21,9050.44
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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.