Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Redlands

Redlands, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,164/yr (34% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #81 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While many conservation programs focus on fieldwork, Redlands’ strength lies in its proximity to Southern California’s complex environmental landscape. You're not just in the wilderness; you're at the intersection of urban development, agriculture, and sensitive ecosystems. This unique position creates a high demand for graduates who can navigate California’s rigorous environmental regulations. Many alumni find lucrative roles not just in state parks, but as environmental consultants for construction firms, compliance officers for utility companies, or specialists within county planning departments—jobs that often pay more than traditional conservation work. The program’s emphasis on research prepares you for the data analysis and reporting these technical roles require. To maximize your advantage, seek an internship with a regional environmental consulting firm or a municipal agency to build connections within this specific, high-demand local job market.

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 $636K $619K $558K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.4x
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)
$230,456
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,468
60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,943
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,817
53% growth from Year 1

About University of Redlands

University of Redlands has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,095 students in Redlands, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $91,468 over four years — 60% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Redlands →

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

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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

How does University of Redlands's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation 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.
How affordable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Redlands after financial aid?
Sticker price is $230,456, but the average net cost is $91,468 — a 60% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →