Location: Newark, DE•In-State Tuition: $16,080•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,720•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1297
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,362
36th percentile
Median Debt
$24,336
19% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.62 ManageableSample: 22 graduates Limited data

Analysis

University of Delaware's Plant Sciences bachelor's presents a cautious but defensible choice, though the small graduating class—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. First-year earnings of $39,362 trail the national median by about $3,400, placing graduates in the 36th percentile nationally. However, the debt picture is notably favorable: at $24,336, graduates carry less than two-thirds of their first-year salary in loans and rank in just the 5th percentile for debt nationally—meaning 95% of Plant Sciences programs saddle students with more debt.

The state comparison offers limited insight since Delaware has only one program in this field, making University of Delaware both the median and the outlier. For context, this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is manageable by most standards—graduates would need to dedicate roughly 7% of their gross income over ten years to repay federal loans under standard terms. That's well below concerning thresholds.

The real question is whether your student is committed to plant sciences specifically or exploring options. With the small cohort size, outcomes could vary significantly based on individual career paths, graduate school plans, or agricultural sector employment patterns in any given year. If your child is passionate about agriculture, horticulture, or crop science and knows this is their path, the low debt load provides flexibility for graduate school or entry-level positions in the field. If they're uncertain, consider that the below-average earnings might reflect the specialized nature of this degree rather than program quality issues.

Where University of Delaware Stands

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

University of DelawareOther plant sciences programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Delaware earns $39k — 36th percentile among plant sciences bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Plant Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of DelawareNewark$16,080$39,362—$24,3360.62
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$63,129$64,619$16,6660.26
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$60,443$70,421$13,0000.22
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings$9,299$58,787$58,296$23,1250.39
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston$13,120$57,915$54,901$23,7930.41
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$50,115$47,890$21,9050.44
National Median—$42,786—$20,5000.48

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 Delaware, approximately 16% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.