Natural Resources Management and Policy at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,422/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $477K $479K $453K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.9x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 45

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 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,666
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,158
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,422 at Oregon State University come in 6% above the national median of $37,130 for Natural Resources Management and Policy programs.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Management and Policy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,666 against $39,422/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #19 ranking among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs places Oregon State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $39,422 to $45,158 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management and Policy 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

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at Oregon State University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Management and Policy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management and Policy at Oregon State University?
The 42% 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 →