### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Plant Sciences is a valuable choice and often a mandatory first step for scholars planning to begin a career as a soil and plant scientist, an agriculture scientist, or an animal scientist. Interestingly, nationally, plant sciences is a very rare major ranking as the 150th most popular degree. Last academic year alone, there were 2,008 plant sciences graduates. In-state tuition for plant sciences at private universities is, on average, 4.7 times more spendy than their public equivalents.

 With only 79 universities offering plant sciences there might be a smaller selection of institutions which will have a degree program for you. If you are hoping to surround yourself with other plant sciences undergraduates, look at schools in California which have the most students admitted to plant sciences annually. More generally, the best region to pursue plant sciences is in the Plains region with [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university), [Kansas State University](/colleges/kansas-state-university), and [University of Nebraska-Lincoln](/colleges/university-of-nebraska-lincoln) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick of the top conference to major in plant sciences is the Southeastern Conference with [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida), [Mississippi State University](/colleges/mississippi-state-university), and [Texas A & M University-College Station](/colleges/texas-a-m-university-college-station) representing the conference. From our extensive list of the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our choice for the best university for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university).

 The best school does not mean it is the 'best' school for you. There might be many more factors to think about when deciding on school. Stuff like campus amenities, transportation services, and food might impact your decision on where to go to university. At Authority, we have evaluated the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you want to know which plant sciences university has the best campus, the answer is [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus). If you are very interested in which college is home to the top campus, we have an entire page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through government databases, student reviews, professor reviews, and more to compare all U.S. majors in an unbiased and informative way. You can explore our comprehensive list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbsphere and our selection for the university with the best student life for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Curious why? Keep reading to find out more about our top selections. Some of our picks will probably shock you.

 If expense is a major deciding factor in your decisions, you might consider avoiding [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspappears to be our most expensive college for plant sciences, at least regarding out of state students. That being said, we have a list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspschools that could put the cost of [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspinto perspective. Additionally, you could care to know that plant sciences is the 239th most expensive degree in the nation, with an average associated cost of $28,100. To zoom out a little, the most expensive state for plant sciences in the country is Vermont demonstrated by a tuition of $41,280 at the main university in the state University of Vermont. Even more broadly, the most expensive region for plant sciences is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) with a cost of $35,112, and [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont) with a cost of $41,280.

 Our cheapest region for plant sciences is the Plains region which is represented by [University of Minnesota-Crookston](/colleges/university-of-minnesota-crookston) with a cost of $10,438, [Southwest Minnesota State University](/colleges/southwest-minnesota-state-university) with a cost of $7,722, and [Chadron State College](/colleges/chadron-state-college) with a cost of $5,110. On the bright side, the most affordable school for plant sciences is [University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez](/colleges/university-of-puerto-rico-mayaguez). Authority.org's comprehensive list of the most affordable colleges can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can anticipate paying about $10,500 for a degree in plant sciences. The cost balloons dramatically to a median of $25,500 for the out-of-state public-school student. As such, you might be interested in our selection for the school with the best value for plant sciences: [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Here you can find our comprehensive list of the universities we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. That being said, this list is based on being an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when in-state tuition is considered, but as we do not know what state(s) you might qualify for in-state tuition, we are approaching this discussion through out-of-state tuition costs.

 Earnings for plant sciences majors differ a lot, but two-years after graduation students will often make in the neighborhood of $42,100. While there can be a lot of variation in earnings potential; top earners can make up to $84,000. Even right out of school, the lowest earning jobs within the plant sciences field make $20,900, which isn't that bad. The top earning grads for plant sciences graduated from [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspand if you want to find the universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of plant sciences stands subpar, falling in the 26th percentile of all programs. The school with the most composite diversity for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list of the schools which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Plant Sciences major is only within the 73rd percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is even less in the 23rd percentile. White collegians make up the largest proportion at 73% of those majoring in plant sciences. Additionally, 59% of students pursuing a plant sciences major are men.

 The median rating for plant sciences' professors is 4 stars, a rating which is actually the median for all majors; this is a fine. If you want to find the most popular plant sciences professor in the country, consider looking up Paul Faulstich from [Pitzer College](/colleges/pitzer-college). This might be a shock, but the highest rated professors for plant sciences from student rankings are found at [Western Washington University](/colleges/western-washington-university). If we including information other than simply rankings it becomes clear that the school possessing the overall best professors for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). One will find more detail on our ever evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with some of the finest examples of instructors nationwide.

 Finally, the most difficult school to get into for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have a general page of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). With that said, here at Authority we do hope you understand that looking at college with a perspective primarily informed by superlatives can cause issues. We at Authority hope you look at some of our more nuanced pages on different schools and explore some of our insightful background 'blog posts' on important details to look out for as you continue your school search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Plant sciences is the 150th most popular degree in America, with 2,008 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #151 [English Teacher Education](/rankings/best-colleges-for-english-teacher-education), and narrowly lost to #149 [Mechanical Engineering Technology](/rankings/best-colleges-for-mechanical-engineering-technology).

 The degree is offered at a total of 79 colleges across the nation, and is the 206th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 4% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that 95% of colleges offering plant sciences are public making it a very accessible field.

 The plains produces the most plant sciences graduates, largely led by [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university), while it’s the Southeastern Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo) and [California State University-Fresno](/colleges/california-state-university-fresno).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more plant sciences graduates than [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), which graduated 135 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study plant sciences). More students studied plant sciences as a percentage of total students at [Chadron State College](/colleges/chadron-state-college) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Plant sciences is the 239th most expensive major in the United States, with a median cost of $28,079 among the top 50 programs (just ahead of #240, [Information Technology Administration and Management](rankings/best-colleges-for-information-technology-administration-and-management), with a median cost of $27,990).

 New England has the most expensive schools with first-class plant sciences programs predominantly led by [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) with an annual cost of $35,112. The most expensive state for plant sciences is Vermont led by [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont).

 Public schools with good programs generally charge 78.53% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 47.9% less than the median private school. So, if you're trying to find a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition ASAP.

 The most expensive top 25 college for plant sciences is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university), which is the 23rd most expensive college in America. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Oklahoma Panhandle State University](/colleges/oklahoma-panhandle-state-university). It costs just $4,440 per year but is ranked 63rd for its plant sciences program. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez](/colleges/university-of-puerto-rico-mayaguez)  is probably for you, ranked #12 with an in-state cost of just $3,968. Another more affordable choice would be #16, [Texas Tech University](/colleges/texas-tech-university) in Lubbock County, TX with a cost of $6,744 for in-state students and $16,704 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Enrolling in college is a large investment for most students. It is critical to be sure you are able to make back that investment. We wish for the following earnings and job placement statistics to guide you in deciding your focus at college.

 The average Plant Sciences alumni earns a first year income of $40,912 per year (close to national median 44th percentile). Further into their professional lives, they typically draw something between $20,902 and $84,005, but average more or less $42,114. Just so you know, that's 9% above the national average.

 The most popular job for a Plant Sciences graduate is Engineer, which generally make about $59,000; next are Service Technician and Field Service Technician, which normally earn around $26,000 and $45,000 respectively.

 New England has the highest grossing Plant Sciences graduates. The best paid state for Plant Sciences graduates is IA. The highest grossing conference for Plant Sciences graduates is Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Plant Sciences: Median Professor Rating: 4 / 5, which is average.

 Professors again and again play a severe role in your college experience, regardless of your major. A good instructor could provide inspiration and set one up for future success. On the flip side, a poor professor can drive anxiety or even worse... flunk you!

 Professors of Plant Sciences have a median student rating of 4 / 5, putting them in the top 55th percentile in the nation grounded in overall professor effectivness. Suprisingly, this major is exactly the median for professor rating, which, in our opinion, is remarkably average! Professors of Plant Sciences just surpassed those from ["Communication Sciences and Disorders"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-communication-sciences-and-disorders), whereas ["Animal Sciences"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-animal-sciences)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Plant Sciences.

 Now for some statistics about Plant Sciences professors. Colleges located in remote rural areas tend to have the best Plant Sciences professors. The City University of New York Athletic Conference has the highest rated Plant Sciences professors. The New England region has the highest rated Plant Sciences professors. Private colleges tend to have higher rated Plant Sciences professors than public colleges. Finally, Alabama has the highest rated Plant Sciences professors in the United States.

 Paul Faulstich, instructor at [Pitzer College](/colleges/pitzer-college)&nbspin Claremont, CA is the most popular Plant Sciences professor in the United States. Christopher Lay, professor at [University of California-Santa Cruz](/colleges/university-of-california-santa-cruz)&nbspin Santa Cruz, CA is the highest rated Plant Sciences professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Want to know which colleges have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College is a very influential period in one's life; it's a chance for individual progress and maturation. Scholars continue to ascertain what they can be and build the required skills to become a flourishing adult. But growth isn't completely confined to a classroom - the late nights discussing the Second Intifada with a schoolmate, the wild anecdote received from an eccentric professor, the exposure to a different way of looking it. As such, finding a diverse college vastly enriches what you gain from your time spent in university.

 Plant Sciences is a less racially diverse major than average\*. 73% of the US' Plant Sciences majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(15%), latino students (8%), and asian students (2%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [University of California-Davis](/colleges/university-of-california-davis)&nbspin Davis, CA.

 Moreover, Plant Sciences slightly skews male, with 41% of majors identifying as men. [Stephen F Austin State University](/colleges/stephen-f-austin-state-university) in Nacogdoches, TX has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another significant type of diversity is class diversity. Plant Sciences is more socioeconomically diverse than 73% of focuses. 29% of its majors come from homes with $110,000 plus annual incomes, 16% are from mid-income households, and 24% grew up in low income families. [Northwest Missouri State University](/colleges/northwest-missouri-state-university) is the most financially diverse college in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall AZ is the most diverse state for Plant Sciences. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Western Athletic Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 2%
* Black: 1%
* Latino: 8%
* White: 73%
* Other: 15%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 59%
* Female: 41%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 16%
* Over 110k: 29%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 71%
* Out of State: 24%
* International: 5%


North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Cornell University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus

University of California-Davis

University of Florida

Auburn University

University of Delaware

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Texas Tech University

University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

University of Arizona

Washington State University

West Virginia University

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dordt University

University of Missouri-Columbia

Montana State University

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Santa Rosa Junior College

University of the Incarnate Word

University of California-Berkeley

Search for the best Plant Sciences colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Plant Sciences Professors

There are about 7,018 students enrolled in Plant Sciences in the USA.

PROFESSORS