Soil Sciences at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,770/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Small (7,100 openings/yr)
ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 6 Soil Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Soil Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $565K $558K $510K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.7x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,520
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,770 track close to the $50,153 national median for Soil Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Soil Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 in median debt against $50,770 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Soil Sciences is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Michigan State University's #4 ranking should be read in that context.

A 23% earnings increase from $50,770 to $62,520 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

Top Career Paths

Microbiologists $87,330/yr
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
Soil and plant scientists $71,410/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Soil Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Soil Sciences at Michigan State University?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Soil Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Soil Sciences at Michigan State University?
The 47% 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 →