Plant Sciences at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,216/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (103,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 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 $486K $487K $458K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.4x 7.4x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,952
Out-of-state: $145,608 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,556
-4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,070
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,549
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,216 per year, Plant Sciences graduates from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn below the $42,710 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Plant Sciences's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $16,070 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #48 of 50 Plant Sciences programs, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,216 to $45,549 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities prioritizes broad access, with 30,469 students enrolled in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities →

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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Plant Sciences at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Plant Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Plant Sciences careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $457,539 in decade earnings vs $486,121 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Plant Sciences from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →