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Plant Sciences at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,787/yr (38% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (11.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #3 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 10%

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	$584K	$575K	$525K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.7x	15.5x	14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.4x	11.2x	10.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	64	63	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (11.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,125

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$67,485

15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,787 put South Dakota State University's Plant Sciences program 38% above the national median of $42,710 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 15.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $58,787 far exceeding the $22,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #3 of 50 programs, this Plant Sciences program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $58,787 to $67,485 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at South Dakota State University?

At 63/100, South Dakota State University'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 South Dakota State University?

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 →