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Plant Sciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,980/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #41 of 50 Plant Sciences programs

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	$461K	$464K	$440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.9x	9.0x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.4x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	38	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,584

Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,328

-58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$41,526

12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,980/yr, Plant Sciences graduates from Colorado State University-Fort Collins land near the $42,710 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 $17,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #41 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places Colorado State University-Fort Collins in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

With 90% of applicants admitted, Colorado State University-Fort Collins prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 25,148 in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?

At 38/100, 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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins?

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 →