Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
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
10.0x earnings multiple (3.8x 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) | 10.1x | 10.0x | 9.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.8x | 3.8x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 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)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.8x 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
With 79% of applicants admitted, Oregon State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 29,557 students in Corvallis, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University →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
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
How does Oregon State University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Oregon State University rank so high for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
The #51 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →