Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Portland State University
Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,512/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
11.3x earnings multiple (4.2x 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 | $508K | $507K | $473K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.3x | 11.3x | 10.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 32 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,669
51% growth from Year 1
About Portland State University
Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,619 students in Portland, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Portland 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 Portland State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Portland State University?
At 32/100, 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 Portland State University?
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 →