Natural Resources Conservation and Research at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,917/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.8x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #94 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $538K $533K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.8x 15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.7x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,871
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,917/yr, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt land near the $34,545 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $29,917 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #94 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $50,871 show a 70% jump from the $29,917 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

With 99% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt prioritizes broad access, enrolling 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health $80,060/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

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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 Natural Resources Conservation and Research at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $492,566 in decade earnings vs $537,679 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →