Agriculture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Agriculture, General
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
56
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $64,786/yr (61% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Small (6,800 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 47 Agriculture, General programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy isn't just a slogan; it's why your earnings potential is so high. You're not just studying theory—you're immersed in California's Central Coast, a global hub for high-tech, high-value agriculture like berries, wine grapes, and vegetables. This prime location creates a powerful recruiting pipeline directly into major agribusinesses and innovative AgriTech firms that prize your practical, field-tested skills. Your degree prepares you for the business and science side of the industry, not just production. You'll be qualified for roles in food science, logistics, and management for major players in the nearby Salinas and Santa Maria valleys. To maximize this advantage, use your required internships to specialize in a high-growth area like sustainable farming or food technology, which will make you an even more valuable hire right after graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $576K $569K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 12.8x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 39% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 56 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,903
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,350
6% growth from Year 1

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 21,521 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

Top Career Paths

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr
Animal scientists $79,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agriculture at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agriculture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 56/100, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Agriculture program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agriculture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 47% 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for Agriculture?
Among 47 Agriculture programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #1 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 →