Plant Sciences at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

The third-lowest earnings among New York's plant sciences programs isn't where you'd expect to find a SUNY school, but that's the picture here. While comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,800 with debt near $20,500, this program shows graduates earning just $38,300 four years out—nearly $5,000 below that initial estimate and $10,500 below the national median. Even Cornell's plant sciences program, despite its sticker price premium, reports the same $32,200 figure that represents New York's state median.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 looks manageable on paper, but it's calculated against that estimated first-year figure of $42,800. The actual four-year earnings tell a different story: graduates appear to be earning less, not more, as they gain experience in the field. That's unusual and concerning, suggesting either limited career advancement or that many graduates aren't finding positions that leverage their degree. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, a stagnating salary trajectory creates real financial stress.

If your child is passionate about plant sciences, recognize that this field pays modestly regardless of where you study it in New York. The estimated debt burden is reasonable, but verify what actual Cobleskill graduates are experiencing and what specific career pathways they're pursuing—the earnings dip between years one and four demands explanation before committing.