Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $38,397 track close to the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
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.
Median debt of $24,005 represents roughly 8 months of the $38,397 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #32 of 50 Plant Sciences programs, Oregon State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $38,397 to $53,355 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.