Plant Sciences at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,024/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 50%

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 $558K $551K $507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.0x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,885
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,024/yr, Plant Sciences graduates from Auburn University land near the $42,710 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $17,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #23 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places Auburn University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 48% earnings increase from $39,024 to $57,885 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Auburn University

Auburn University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 25,732 students enrolled in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn 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 Auburn University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at Auburn University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Plant Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Plant Sciences at Auburn 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →