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Plant Sciences at Utah State University

Logan, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,091/yr (-34% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #36 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	$602K	$591K	$538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.3x	16.0x	14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.0x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	42	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,912

Out-of-state: $99,208 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,476

-39% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,237

107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Utah State University's Plant Sciences graduates start at $28,091/yr, trailing the $42,710 national average by 34%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Plant Sciences programs nationally.

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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #36 of 50 Plant Sciences programs, Utah State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $58,237 show a 107% jump from the $28,091 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Utah State University

A 94% acceptance rate means Utah State University is accessible to most applicants, with 20,342 students enrolled in Logan, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Utah State University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Plant Sciences at Utah State University?

A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Plant Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Plant Sciences careers?

With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $537,500 in decade earnings vs $602,096 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Plant Sciences from Utah State University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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