Plant Sciences at Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
54
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,536/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (9.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Plant Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $528K $524K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.9x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.5x 9.5x 8.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 54 48
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,016
Out-of-state: $55,304 (9.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,340
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,716
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,310
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $49,536 at Arkansas State University come in 16% above the national median of $42,710 for Plant Sciences programs.

With a 16.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $49,536 far exceeding the $14,716 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Arkansas State University ranks #12 among 50 Plant Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Arkansas State University

A 70% admission rate makes Arkansas State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 7,994 students in Jonesboro, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas State University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Plant Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at Arkansas State University?
At 54/100, Arkansas State University's Plant Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Plant Sciences at Arkansas State University?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Arkansas State University one of the best schools for Plant Sciences?
Among 50 Plant Sciences programs, Arkansas State University's #12 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →