Location: Reno, NV•In-State Tuition: $8,994•Out-of-State Tuition: $25,950•Admission Rate: 85%
Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$42,787
Est. from national median (50 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$20,500
Est. from national median (40 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Given that Nevada has only one institution offering a bachelor's in Plant Sciences, peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,800 with manageable debt of $20,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 falls comfortably within the "manageable" range—roughly half a year's salary—which many financial advisors consider reasonable for a four-year degree. The challenge isn't the debt load itself, but rather how those first-year earnings stack up against a wide range of career trajectories in agriculture, research, and environmental science.

Plant sciences graduates pursue vastly different paths: some enter agricultural management or consulting, while others move into lab work, government agencies, or graduate programs that can substantially boost earnings. The national median captures this breadth, with top-performing programs reaching $47,400—about 11% higher. Without program-specific outcomes from UNR, it's difficult to assess whether this particular program connects students to Nevada's growing agricultural technology sector or positions them for research opportunities at institutions like the Desert Research Institute.

The bottom line: the estimated debt burden appears reasonable, but you'll want direct conversations with UNR's department about recent graduate outcomes, internship partnerships, and placement rates in specific sectors. The $42,800 baseline works if your student has a clear career direction, but it's tight enough that graduate school funding or immediate job placement in higher-paying specializations becomes important to consider from day one.

Where University of Nevada-Reno Stands

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

University of Nevada-Reno (estimated ±10%)Other plant sciences programs

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

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 Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Nevada-RenoReno$8,994$42,787*—$20,500*—
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
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings$9,299$58,787*$58,296$23,125*0.39
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston$13,120$57,915*$54,901$23,793*0.41
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$50,115*$47,890$21,905*0.44
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 Nevada-Reno, approximately 24% 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.