Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,325/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #21 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $476K $477K $451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 15.1x 14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.0x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 23

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 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,889
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,148
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,325 track close to the $29,850 national median for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,889 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,325 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #21 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $41,148 show a 56% jump from the $26,325 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, 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
Zoologists and wildlife biologists $72,860/yr
Conservation scientists $67,950/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

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 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 24/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $451,047 in decade earnings vs $475,541 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →