Plant Sciences at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,008/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 50%

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 $524K $521K $484K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.6x 13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,432
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,543
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Plant Sciences program produces graduates earning $42,008/yr — within striking distance of the $42,710 national average for this field.

The 14.6x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,432 in median debt clears quickly against $42,008 in annual earnings.

Ranked #19 out of 50 programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Plant Sciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,008 to $53,543 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Admission to North Carolina State University at Raleigh is competitive, with 40% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 26,389 in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh

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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Plant Sciences program score?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Plant Sciences graduates.
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 →