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Plant Sciences at University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,372/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 19.2x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #25 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	$489K	$490K	$460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.2x	19.2x	18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.3x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	46	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$25,524

Out-of-state: $114,636 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$25,404

0% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,015

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,390

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,372/yr, roughly in line with the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 19.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $36,372 far exceeding the $13,015 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #25 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places University of Florida in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 28% earnings increase from $36,372 to $46,390 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Florida

University of Florida accepts 24% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 34,102 students enrolled in Gainesville, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Florida →

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 University of Florida

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 does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at University of Florida?

At 46/100, 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 University of Florida?

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 →