Plant Sciences at University of Wyoming

A Plant Sciences degree from the University of Wyoming comes with estimated debt of $20,500—the national median for bachelor's programs at similar institutions—but starting salaries of $36,000 put this program in the bottom quarter nationally for the field. That creates a manageable but tight debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months' salary. The real concern is how these earnings compare: while peer programs nationally typically produce median first-year earnings above $42,000, Wyoming's only Plant Sciences bachelor's program starts considerably lower.

The 39% earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four offers some reassurance that the initial gap can close over time. For students committed to staying in Wyoming's agricultural sector—where career networks and regional expertise matter—this trajectory may make sense despite the modest start. The estimated debt burden, based on comparable programs at similar schools, appears reasonable enough to carry while those earnings develop.

But parents should recognize they're making this investment with limited visibility. Since Wyoming only has one program and the debt figure comes from national peers, there's uncertainty about both the typical outcome and whether their student will match the earnings pattern shown here. If your child has offers from programs posting stronger first-year numbers—especially in states with more robust agricultural industries—those alternatives deserve serious consideration.