Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,524/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 10%

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 $696K $673K $598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.0x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,028
97% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-San Diego's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $37,524/yr — above the $34,545 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 11.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,000 in median debt clears quickly against $37,524 in annual earnings.

At #19 of 256 programs, this Natural Resources Conservation and Research program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $37,524-to-$74,028 earnings arc over five years reflects a 97% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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 University of California-San Diego

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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-San Diego?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-San Diego?
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 →