Plant Sciences at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's Plant Sciences program delivers exceptional starting salaries—nearly $59,000 puts graduates in the 95th percentile nationally, roughly $16,000 above what plant sciences majors typically earn. The debt load of $23,125 is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39, meaning graduates need less than five months of gross salary to cover their loans. At 99% admission and an average SAT of 1121, this is an accessible program producing outsized results.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do initially. This could reflect the nature of entry-level agricultural positions in South Dakota, where salaries might plateau quickly, or it might indicate graduates are staying in lower-paying roles rather than advancing. With only one plant sciences program in the state, there's no local comparison to determine if this is program-specific or industry-wide.

For families comfortable with stable rather than growing salaries, this program offers strong value. Your child enters a manageable debt load and immediately earns well above national norms for the field. The flat earnings curve means the financial picture at graduation is essentially the financial picture long-term—predictable, but without the upward momentum many parents hope to see. If your child is passionate about plant sciences and plans to stay in the region, the immediate post-graduation earnings make this worthwhile despite the stagnant growth.