Plant Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville's Plant Sciences program produces graduates earning nearly $48,000 right out of school with modest debt of $19,125—a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that signals a manageable financial start. That first-year salary beats 79% of Plant Sciences programs nationwide, though it lands in the middle of the pack among Wisconsin's limited options (40th percentile). With only three schools offering this major in the state, you're essentially choosing between very similar outcomes: UW-Platteville trails UW-River Falls by less than $1,000 annually while keeping debt slightly lower.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to nearly $53,000 by year four—a 10% increase that suggests stable career progression in agriculture, research, or related fields. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates provides reasonably reliable data without the volatility of very small cohorts.

For families concerned about return on investment, this program delivers. The combination of strong national standing, below-average debt, and immediate post-graduation earnings creates a financial foundation that works. If your child is interested in agriculture or plant science careers and prefers staying in Wisconsin, UW-Platteville offers essentially equivalent outcomes to the state's other options at a competitive price point.