Plant Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

UW-River Falls' plant sciences graduates earn $48,791 in their first year—outperforming 88% of similar programs nationwide and landing solidly in the middle among Wisconsin's handful of offerings. The $22,251 debt load translates to a manageable 0.46 ratio against first-year earnings, well below problematic thresholds. For a degree focused on agriculture, horticulture, or related fields, these are strong starting numbers that suggest the program successfully connects graduates with viable career paths.

The catch is what happens next: earnings barely budge over the first four years, rising just $282 total. While this isn't necessarily alarming—plant science careers may follow different trajectories than tech or finance—it does mean early earnings largely determine long-term outcomes. Graduates entering agricultural sales or crop consulting might see different growth curves than those in research or production roles. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these figures without capturing every possible career path.

For families considering agricultural or plant-focused careers, this program delivers immediate earning power without crushing debt. The near-flat earnings growth means your child's starting position matters significantly, but they'll be competing from a position of strength given the strong national ranking. If your child is genuinely interested in this field rather than treating it as a fallback option, the numbers work.