Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,759/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
10.6x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $653K | $634K | $569K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.9x | 10.6x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.6x | 3.5x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 41 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,200
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,752
98% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Barbara
Admission to University of California-Santa Barbara is competitive, with 28% of applicants accepted, with 23,205 students enrolled in Santa Barbara, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →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 University of California-Santa Barbara
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
What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 41/100, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara?
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 University of California-Santa Barbara one of the best schools for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #57 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 →