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Plant Sciences at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,038/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 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 $505K $503K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.9x 15.9x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,661
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,038 track close to the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 15.9x 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.

A #17 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $44,038 to $50,661 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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

Compare this program → View all 50 schools offering Plant Sciences →

Plant Sciences at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($63,129) California State University-Fresno ($60,443) South Dakota State University ($58,787) University of Minnesota-Crookston ($57,915) Kansas State University ($50,115) Arkansas State University ($49,536) Iowa State University ($49,393) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($49,048)

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Computer Science ($37,153) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($34,309)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Plant Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 52/100, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt'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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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 →