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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,712/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #73 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

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 $559K $551K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.8x 18.5x 17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 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)
$29,748
Out-of-state: $77,268 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,948
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,883
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Monterey Bay's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program produces graduates earning $30,712/yr — within striking distance of the $34,545 national average for this field.

With a 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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.

At $16,500 against $30,712/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #73 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places California State University-Monterey Bay in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,712-to-$53,883 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Monterey Bay

A 95% acceptance rate means California State University-Monterey Bay is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,811 students in Seaside, CA. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Monterey Bay →

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

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at California State University-Monterey Bay

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($117,088) Computer Science ($71,458) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,825) Human Services, General ($37,501) Hospitality Administration/Management ($35,760) Biology, General ($35,312) Social Sciences, General ($34,678) International/Global Studies ($34,246)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at California State University-Monterey Bay?
At 40/100, 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 California State University-Monterey Bay?
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 →