Home › Oregon State University-Cascades Campus › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
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)
Ranked #54 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 25%

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 $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)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,888
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,537
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $39,479/yr — above the $34,545 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $39,479/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus ranks #54 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 41% earnings increase from $39,479 to $55,537 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 and Research at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and 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 →