Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,338/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 5%

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 $783K $749K $656K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 12.6x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.1x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,817
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,932
90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,338 put University of California-Berkeley's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program 37% above the national median of $34,545 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $47,338 far exceeding the $12,817 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #5 of 256 nationally, this is a top-5% Natural Resources Conservation and Research program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $89,932 show a 90% jump from the $47,338 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,073 students enrolled in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-Berkeley?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Natural Resources Conservation and Research field.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $656,186 in decade earnings vs $782,628 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-Berkeley's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 256 programs nationally, University of California-Berkeley lands in the top 5%. 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 →