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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,954/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 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 $695K $672K $598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.0x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,836
92% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,954 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from University of California-Davis earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.0x 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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $15,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #12 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 $74,836 show a 92% jump from the $38,954 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.

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

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)

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research

University of California-Davis vs Columbia Southern University → University of California-Davis vs University of Maryland Global Campus → University of California-Davis vs Massachusetts Maritime Academy → University of California-Davis vs American Public University System →

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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-Davis?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $597,941 in decade earnings vs $695,430 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-Davis's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program stand out?
Ranked #12 of 256 programs nationally, University of California-Davis 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 →