Location: Santa Cruz, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,560•Out-of-State Tuition: $45,337•Admission Rate: 63%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$45,095
Est. from CA median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,250
Est. from CA median (4 programs)

Analysis

California's plant sciences programs show a wide spread in outcomes, with top performers like Cal Poly SLO commanding $63,000 in first-year earnings while others cluster in the mid-$40,000s. Based on comparable programs statewide, UCSC graduates would likely land near that median—around $45,000—which aligns with the national benchmark of $43,000 but trails the state's flagship agricultural programs by a significant margin. That gap matters when you're paying UC tuition, even if the estimated $14,250 debt load is considerably lighter than the national median of $20,500.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable repayment, particularly if your student secures work in California's agricultural sector or pursues graduate study. However, the reality is that plant sciences graduates at similarly-ranked programs often face a slower climb toward substantial earnings compared to technical or business majors. UCSC's strength in environmental and ecological sciences might provide networking advantages in California's sustainability-focused agriculture industry, but peer programs at campuses with stronger agricultural infrastructure are producing noticeably higher starting salaries.

For parents weighing this option: if your student is passionate about sustainable agriculture or agroecology specifically, UCSC's reputation in those niches could justify the investment. But if they're still exploring or could see themselves at a CSU with stronger industry ties and comparable outcomes at lower cost, that's worth serious consideration before committing to the UC price tag.

Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands

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

University of California-Santa Cruz (estimated ±10%)Other plant sciences programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz$14,560$45,095*—$14,250*—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$63,129*$64,619$16,666*0.26
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$60,443*$70,421$13,000*0.22
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$46,152*$43,825$13,500*0.29
California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata$7,913$44,038*——*—
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$43,944*$61,533$15,000*0.34
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 University of California-Santa Cruz, approximately 32% 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 median of 6 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.