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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,152/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #125 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 $621K $606K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.4x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,487
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,229
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Santa Cruz's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $29,152/yr, trailing the $34,545 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $18,487 against $29,152/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #125 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places University of California-Santa Cruz in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,152-to-$60,229 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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 University of California-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

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 does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 34/100, 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 University of California-Santa Cruz?
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.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz a good choice for Natural Resources Conservation and Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Cruz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →