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Plant Sciences at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $47,531/yr (11% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #26 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	$517K	$514K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.9x	9.9x	9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.4x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,988

Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,604

-11% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,828

4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,531/yr, edging above the $42,710 national average for Plant Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 9.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $15,828 in median debt against $47,531 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #26 out of 50 programs, Washington State University's financial outcomes for Plant Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Washington State University

Washington State University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,583 in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington 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

Plant Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Washington State University's Plant Sciences program score?

This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Plant Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Plant Sciences to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Plant Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

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