Plant Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State's plant sciences program punches well above its weight, ranking in the 85th percentile nationally for earnings despite the university's open-access mission. That $48,546 starting salary beats the national median by nearly $6,000 and represents one of the best entry points into this field you'll find. The debt load of just under $16,000—well below both state and national medians—creates an unusually favorable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can manage comfortably even in agriculture's variable job market.

Within Missouri, this program sits in the 60th percentile and essentially matches the earnings at University of Missouri-Columbia while carrying less debt. The 16% earnings growth over four years shows graduates building stable career momentum, likely moving into agronomist, crop consultant, or farm management roles. While the moderate sample size means individual cohorts may vary, the combination of low debt and strong starting pay creates genuine room for error.

For families worried about agricultural degree affordability, this is among your best options regionally. The financial math works from day one, and graduates aren't trapped by debt if they need flexibility early in their careers.