Plant Sciences at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,712/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 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 $522K $519K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.1x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,281
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,324
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,712/yr, Plant Sciences graduates from Ohio State University-Main Campus land near the $42,710 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Plant Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Plant Sciences's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $18,281 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #24 of 50 Plant Sciences programs, Ohio State University-Main Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $42,712 to $53,324 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 44,617 students enrolled in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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 Ohio State University-Main Campus

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Plant Sciences at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Plant Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Plant Sciences careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $482,042 in decade earnings vs $521,664 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →