Location: Carbondale, IL•In-State Tuition: $13,244•Admission Rate: 90%•Avg SAT: 1060
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,787
Est. from national median (50 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,500
Est. from national median (40 programs)

Analysis

Starting salaries around $43,000 place this program squarely at the national median for plant sciences bachelor's degrees, though Illinois programs show this field can command slightly more—the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's graduates earn about $45,000. The estimated debt load of $20,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning your child would owe roughly half their first-year salary. Comparable programs nationally suggest graduates typically carry similar debt burdens, making this a reasonably balanced financial picture for an agricultural sciences degree.

The reality check: plant sciences careers often start modestly but can grow as graduates gain specialized expertise in areas like crop management, soil science, or agricultural technology. Programs at open-admission institutions like SIU-Carbondale (90% acceptance rate) serve students who might not access flagship agricultural programs, and the 37% Pell grant rate indicates meaningful economic diversity. That said, Illinois itself offers limited options in this field—just two programs statewide—so students should weigh whether SIU's specific offerings in agronomy, horticulture, or soil science align with their career goals.

For a parent's bottom line: if your child wants to work in agriculture, plant breeding, or related fields, a debt load under $21,000 paired with mid-$40,000 starting earnings creates breathing room for early career growth. The estimates here reflect typical outcomes across similar programs, so verify SIU's specific job placement record in your child's area of interest before committing.

Where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Stands

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

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (estimated ±10%)Other plant sciences programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale$13,244$42,787*—$20,500*—
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$45,411*$56,340$15,750*0.35
National Median—$42,786*—$20,500*0.48
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 37% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 50 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.