Plant Sciences at Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,311/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI
15.2x earnings multiple (3.9x 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 | $493K | $493K | $462K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.2x | 15.2x | 14.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.9x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 42% | 32% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 40 | 37 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,106
38% growth from Year 1
About Montana State University
Montana State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.
See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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
Compare & Explore
Plant Sciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at Montana State University
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
How does Montana State University's Plant Sciences program score?
This program scores 40/100 — 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.
Why are Plant Sciences earnings lower at Montana State University?
Lower starting pay at Montana State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →