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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,759/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #9 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 5%

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	$592K	$581K	$529K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.1x	17.7x	16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.4x	7.2x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	53	52	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,760

Out-of-state: $80,280 (7.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,204

-69% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,125

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,755

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,759/yr, edging above the $34,545 national average for Natural Resources Conservation and Research — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $15,125 in median debt against $40,759 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Sonoma State University ranks #9 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $40,759-to-$62,755 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,374 in Rohnert Park, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Sonoma 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

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

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Other Majors at Sonoma 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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Sonoma State University?

At 52/100, Sonoma State University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Sonoma 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.

Is Sonoma State University one of the best schools for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?

Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Sonoma State University's #9 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 →