Home › California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo › Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,129/yr (48% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 5%

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 $617K $604K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.6x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 60

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 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,094
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Plant Sciences program earn $63,129/yr in their first year — 48% above the $42,710 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $63,129 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #2 among 50 Plant Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $63,129 to $74,094 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo admits 30% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 21,521 students in San Luis Obispo, CA.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 50 schools offering Plant Sciences →

Plant Sciences at Other Schools

California State University-Fresno ($60,443) South Dakota State University ($58,787) University of Minnesota-Crookston ($57,915) Kansas State University ($50,115) Arkansas State University ($49,536) Iowa State University ($49,393) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($49,048) University of Wisconsin-River Falls ($48,791)

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Plant Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 65/100, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo'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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for Plant Sciences?
Among 50 Plant Sciences programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #2 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 →