Botany & Plant Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Botany/Plant Biology
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,713/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Medium (20,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 3 Botany/Plant Biology programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Cal Poly Humboldt's Botany program places you directly in a unique ecological laboratory, leveraging Northern California's rich biodiversity. This immersive environment shapes career trajectories, often leading graduates into vital roles in environmental management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and ecological restoration, frequently within public agencies or specialized non-profits. While initial compensation may reflect these mission-driven fields, the deep practical experience and hands-on skills you'll gain are highly valued for long-term specialization and leadership. The indicated AI risk primarily targets routine data collection and identification; future-proof your career by mastering advanced analytical techniques, fieldwork leadership, and complex problem-solving that demands human judgment. Cultivate robust field skills and network within regional conservation and agricultural communities to open doors to these specialized opportunities.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $545K $540K $497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 17.0x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.8x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,224
70% growth from Year 1

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
Biological science teachers, postsecondary $83,460/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Botany & Plant Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Botany & Plant Biology program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Botany & Plant Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Botany & Plant Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Botany & Plant Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →