Soil Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's Soil Sciences program delivers impressive starting earnings—$55,322 puts graduates in the 95th percentile nationally, well above the $50,408 median for similar programs. The debt load of $23,149 is manageable, translating to a healthy 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can handle repayment comfortably. Since Tennessee has only one program in this field, state-level comparisons are limited, but these numbers position graduates strongly in the job market.

The concern here is what happens next. Earnings drop 14% by year four to $47,438, falling below both the national median and the strong start these graduates enjoyed. This backward trajectory suggests either that initial positions don't lead to advancement opportunities, or that graduates are shifting into lower-paying roles or adjacent fields. With a moderate sample size, this pattern could reflect the experiences of a specific cohort rather than a consistent trend, but it's worth understanding.

For families weighing this degree, the math works: low debt and strong initial placement make this financially viable. However, you'll want your student to have a clear career plan that capitalizes on that impressive first job. If they're passionate about soil science and understand the career pathways—whether in conservation, agriculture, or environmental consulting—the investment is sound. Just don't assume earnings will climb automatically without intentional career management.