Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,576/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #82 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

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 $679K $657K $587K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$203,836
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,814
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,576/yr, edging above the $34,545 national average for Natural Resources Conservation and Research — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,500 debt-to-$42,576 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #82 out of 256 programs, Santa Clara University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $42,576 to $74,814 over five years (76% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Santa Clara University

With a 44% acceptance rate, Santa Clara University is moderately selective, serving 6,235 students in Santa Clara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Santa Clara 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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →