Plant Sciencesat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $43,944/yr in their first year — about 3.0% above the national Plant Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $617K; scenarios range from $558K to $631K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
Chico State's strength in Plant Sciences comes directly from its location in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions on earth. This isn't just a theoretical program; it's a hands-on education deeply integrated with the local industry. Your classrooms extend to the university's own 800-acre farm, and your network will be built with the growers, researchers, and food companies that drive California's economy. The strong career outcomes reflect this direct pipeline into well-paying roles in farm management, crop consulting, and food science right in the region. While AI is changing agriculture, it's creating new opportunities in precision farming and data analysis for those with a strong foundational knowledge. To maximize your advantage, aggressively pursue internships with local agribusinesses to build practical skills and professional connections before you even graduate.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Chico State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Plant Sciences
How Chico State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Chico State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Chico State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Plant Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Plant Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Plant Sciences at Chico State
What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at California State University-Chico?
At 60/100, California State University-Chico'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 State University-Chico?
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.