Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,479/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
10.7x earnings multiple (3.9x 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 | $544K | $538K | $497K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.8x | 10.7x | 9.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.9x | 3.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 43 | 42 | 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)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,537
41% growth from Year 1
About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,054 in Bend, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 42/100, 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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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.
Is Oregon State University-Cascades Campus one of the best schools for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's #54 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 →