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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,632/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #185 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

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	$423K	$431K	$416K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.7x	8.9x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.5x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$48,372

Out-of-state: $122,892 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,880

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,793

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $30,632/yr, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Southern Oregon University land near the $34,545 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 8.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,793 debt-to-$30,632 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #185 out of 256 programs, Southern Oregon University's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Southern Oregon University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Southern Oregon University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,911 students in Ashland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Oregon 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 Southern Oregon 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 Southern Oregon University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?

This program scores 28/100 — 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 →