Natural Resources Management and Policy at California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,760/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)
ROI 24.8x earnings multiple (9.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $694K $676K $606K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.5x 24.8x 22.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 9.0x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,268
Out-of-state: $74,788 (9.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,168
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,209
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,924
120% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,760/yr, Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates from California State University-Channel Islands land near the $37,130 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 24.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Resources Management and Policy programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Management and Policy's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,209 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,760 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #6 of 26 nationally, this is a top-5% Natural Resources Management and Policy program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $69,924 show a 120% jump from the $31,760 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Channel Islands

With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Channel Islands prioritizes broad access, serving 5,230 students in Camarillo, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Channel Islands →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management and Policy at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Channel Islands

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Management and Policy at California State University-Channel Islands?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Natural Resources Management and Policy field.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Management and Policy careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $605,920 in decade earnings vs $694,309 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Channel Islands's Natural Resources Management and Policy program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 26 programs nationally, California State University-Channel Islands lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →