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Plant Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,791/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 25%

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	$515K	$513K	$477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.0x	14.9x	13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.6x	7.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	55	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,424

Out-of-state: $67,548 (7.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,856

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,374

9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,791/yr, edging above the $42,710 national average for Plant Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 in median debt against $48,791 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls ranks #11 among 50 Plant Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $48,791 to $53,374 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Wisconsin-River Falls

University of Wisconsin-River Falls has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 4,152 students in River Falls, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-River Falls →

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 Wisconsin-River Falls

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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?

At 55/100, University of Wisconsin-River Falls's Plant Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Plant Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?

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.

Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls one of the best schools for Plant Sciences?

Among 50 Plant Sciences programs, University of Wisconsin-River Falls's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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