Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,529/yr (43% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #95 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 $608K $595K $540K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,316
38% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,098
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $49,529 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Occidental College significantly outpace the $34,545 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% 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.

A #95 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Occidental College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 37% earnings increase from $49,529 to $68,098 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Occidental College

A 40% acceptance rate puts Occidental College in competitive admissions territory, with a smaller student body of 1,844 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,316 over four years — 38% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Occidental College →

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

Other Majors at Occidental College

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Occidental College?
At 37/100, 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 Occidental College?
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 →