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Plant Sciences at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,873/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 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 $497K $497K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.1x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,873 track close to the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 8.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #31 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places University of California-Davis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Davis

With a 42% acceptance rate, University of California-Davis is moderately selective, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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 University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Plant Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at University of California-Davis?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Plant Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Plant Sciences at University of California-Davis?
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 →