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Plant Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $47,716/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #10 of 50 Plant Sciences programs Top 25%

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	$545K	$540K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.5x	13.4x	12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.9x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	56	50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,432

Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,696

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,875

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,512

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,716 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln come in 12% above the national median of $42,710 for Plant Sciences programs.

With a 13.4x 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 Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $47,716 far exceeding the $18,875 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks #10 among 50 Plant Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $47,716 to $58,512 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

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 does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Plant Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

At 56/100, University of Nebraska-Lincoln'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 University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

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 University of Nebraska-Lincoln one of the best schools for Plant Sciences?

Among 50 Plant Sciences programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's #10 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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