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Plant Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,716/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #37 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	$465K	$468K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.2x	12.3x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	4.0x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,024

Out-of-state: $116,168 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$50,396

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$36,206

Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,716 track close to the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 12.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #37 out of 50 programs, Middle Tennessee State University's financial outcomes for Plant Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Middle Tennessee State University

With a 68% acceptance rate, Middle Tennessee State University is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 16,115 in Murfreesboro, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Middle Tennessee State University →

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 Middle Tennessee State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Middle Tennessee State University's Plant Sciences program score?

This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Plant Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Plant Sciences to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Plant Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% 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 →