Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,215
7% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Plant Sciences at Other Schools
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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 →