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Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,355/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 of 50 Plant Sciences programs

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	$467K	$469K	$444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.7x	8.7x	8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.6x	3.7x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	39	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,936

Out-of-state: $127,896 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,436

-34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,215

7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,355/yr, roughly in line with the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $40,355/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #40 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places The University of Tennessee-Knoxville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $40,355 to $43,215 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

A 46% admission rate makes The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 28,763 students enrolled in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Plant Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →