Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,173 place Missouri State University-Springfield below the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 12.8x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $36,173 far exceeding the $16,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #42 out of 50 programs, Missouri State University-Springfield's financial outcomes for Plant Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $36,173 to $41,016 over five years (13% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.