Soil Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

UW-Stevens Point's Soil Sciences program delivers reliable returns with minimal debt burden—graduates earn about $50,000 in their first year while carrying just under $23,000 in debt, less than half a year's salary. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 ranks in the 27th percentile nationally, meaning 73% of similar programs leave students with heavier debt loads. While first-year earnings hover near national medians, the program outperforms at the state level, ranking in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin soil science programs. The 19% earnings growth to nearly $60,000 by year four suggests graduates find stable career progression in Wisconsin's agricultural and environmental sectors.

The practical takeaway here is straightforward: this is a financially sensible path into soil science, particularly for Wisconsin residents. You're looking at debt that's manageable on a starting salary—roughly two years of aggressive payments or longer with more conservative budgeting. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers reflect real outcomes but could shift slightly year to year. For students drawn to agricultural science, environmental consulting, or land management careers, this program offers entry without the debt trap that plagues many bachelor's degrees. The 90% admission rate and accessible SAT requirements mean it's attainable for most serious applicants, making it a practical choice rather than a reach school.