Plant Sciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$41,526
12% growth from Year 1
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
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 →