Program Analysis
At $42,861/yr, Plant Sciences graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University land near the $42,710 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.1x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $18,955 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #33 of 50 Plant Sciences programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $49,641 are relatively flat compared to the $42,861 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.