Natural Resources & Conservation Research at California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,712/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
18.5x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $559K | $551K | $506K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.8x | 18.5x | 17.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.2x | 7.1x | 6.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 40 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,748
Out-of-state: $77,268 (7.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,883
75% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Monterey Bay
A 95% acceptance rate means California State University-Monterey Bay is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,811 students in Seaside, CA. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Monterey Bay →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
Compare & Explore
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Monterey Bay
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at California State University-Monterey Bay?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources & Conservation Research at California State University-Monterey Bay?
The 48% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →