Soil Sciences, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Soil Sciences, Other.: The DTI for this program is 51.2%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Soil Sciences, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $43847) to the average debt ($22436) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Soil Sciences, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 51.2%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Soil Sciences, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($43847) against the typical student debt ($22436), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Soil Sciences, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $43847, with grads carrying about $22436 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.51—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 439 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Soil Sciences, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Soil Sciences, Other (CIP 01.1299) is a specialized field that focuses on the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the earth's "living skin." While traditional soil science focuses on general agriculture, this "Other" category is often reserved for high-tech or niche applications like soil forensics, carbon sequestration research, urban soil restoration, and planetary regolith studies. It is a path for those who view soil not as "dirt," but as a vital, non-renewable resource that regulates the global climate and supports all life.
This field is ideal for "terrestrial scientists"—individuals who want to use advanced laboratory analysis and field research to solve the world's most pressing environmental challenges, from food insecurity to toxic waste cleanup.
What Is a Soil Sciences (Other) Degree?
A degree in this category focuses on the complex systems occurring beneath our feet. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs often feature specialized tracks such as Soil Bioinformatics (studying the DNA of soil microbes) or Pedology and Remote Sensing (using satellites to map soil health). Students learn to analyze how soil filters water, stores carbon, and provides the foundation for diverse ecosystems. It is a rigorous STEM major that bridges the gap between geology and biology.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Soil Scientists" who can help farmers use 90% less fertilizer through precision chemistry
- Develop experts in Brownfield Revitalization to clean up contaminated industrial land
- Prepare researchers to develop "Carbon Farming" techniques that pull CO2 from the atmosphere into the earth
- Study the specific soil requirements of vertical farms and hydroponic growing media
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that soil is a living organism that requires a delicate balance of minerals, air, water, and life to function correctly.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Perform Advanced Chemical Analysis to determine nutrient levels and pollutant concentrations
- Master "Soil Mapping" using GPS and GIS technology to guide land-use decisions
- Conduct "Microbial Surveys" to identify the fungi and bacteria that keep soil productive
- Analyze "Soil Physics" to understand how water moves through different terrains to prevent erosion
- Use "Spectroscopy" and other lab tools to identify soil composition without damaging the sample
- Write technical environmental reports for construction, government, or agricultural clients
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is an intense blend of chemistry, physics, and environmental law:
- Soil Chemistry and Fertility: The study of the chemical reactions that make nutrients available to plants.
- Soil Microbiology: Exploring the billions of organisms that live in a single teaspoon of soil.
- Wetland Soils and Hydrology: Understanding the unique "saturated" soils that protect our coastlines.
- Contaminant Transport: The physics of how oil, chemicals, and plastics move through the ground.
- Forest and Range Soils: Managing the soil health of vast, uncultivated wildlands.
- Global Soil Policy: Studying the laws and economics behind soil conservation and land rights.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in environmental consulting, government research, and the high-tech agricultural sector.
Common job roles include:
- Environmental Consultant: Testing soil safety for new housing developments or industrial sites.
- Agricultural Soil Scientist: Advising large-scale farms on how to improve crop yields sustainably.
- Land Reclamation Specialist: Designing plans to restore soil after mining or fracking operations.
- Research Scientist: Studying soil-based solutions for climate change in government or university labs.
- Conservationist: Working for agencies to prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds.
- Urban Soil Specialist: Managing the "Technosols" found in green roofs and city parks.
Where Can You Work?
Soil specialists are needed wherever land is being used or protected:
- Government Agencies: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the EPA.
- Engineering and Architecture Firms: Consulting on the stability and safety of the ground.
- Ag-Tech and Seed Companies: Researching new ways to grow food with fewer resources.
- Environmental Non-Profit Organizations: Working on global land-restoration projects.
- Private Laboratories: Performing diagnostic testing for farmers and developers.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings are competitive, particularly for those with technical skills in data mapping or chemical analysis.
- Soil and Plant Scientists: Median annual salary of approximately $70,000–$85,000.
- Environmental Consultants: Salaries typically range from $65,000 to $90,000.
- Natural Sciences Managers: In senior research or policy roles, salaries can exceed $120,000.
- Soil Technicians: Entry-level field roles often start between $45,000 and $55,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the high-level chemistry and math. You must be comfortable with Organic Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Calculus. You will spend significant time both in the laboratory performing meticulous tests and in the field digging "soil pits" in various weather conditions. It requires a "detective's eye" for detail and a strong ability to visualize invisible chemical and physical processes.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love science but want a career that gets your hands dirty—literally
- Are fascinated by the "hidden world" under the surface of the earth
- Want to be a leader in the fight against climate change and desertification
- Enjoy using high-tech tools like sensors, satellites, and microscopes
- Are interested in the intersection of chemistry, biology, and the environment
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Earth Science
- Join an "Envirothon" team or a local 4-H chapter focused on soil or crops
- Practice using a map and compass or a handheld GPS unit
- Start a compost bin or a garden to observe how organic matter changes over time
- Volunteer for a local park or river cleanup to see the impact of erosion firsthand
The ability to protect and restore the earth’s soil is the hallmark of a successful professional in this vital environmental field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor