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Agricultural Engineering at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $54,095/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Medium (18,700 openings/yr)

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #20 of 21 Agricultural Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural Engineering graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$586K	$580K	$535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.6x	11.5x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	68%	51%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,376

Out-of-state: $139,776 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$70,888

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,057

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $54,095 per year, Agricultural Engineering graduates from Oregon State University-Cascades Campus earn below the $64,972 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Agricultural Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $24,057 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #20 ranking among 21 Agricultural Engineering programs places Oregon State University-Cascades Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,054 students in Bend, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

Agricultural engineers $84,630/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Engineering at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?

At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Agricultural Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Engineering at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?

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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus a good choice for Agricultural Engineering despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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