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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,512/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #153 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

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 $508K $507K $473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.3x 11.3x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,669
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,512/yr, roughly in line with the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $25,000 against $31,512/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #153 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Portland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,512-to-$47,669 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Portland State University

Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

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 Portland State University

Computer Engineering ($87,259) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,853) Computer Science ($78,669) Mechanical Engineering ($73,079) Civil Engineering ($67,509) Physics ($62,749) Accounting and Related Services ($58,069) Finance and Financial Management Services ($52,859)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Portland State University?
At 32/100, 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 Portland State University?
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 →