Best Natural Resources Management and Policy Degrees in California by ROI
Colleges in California ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in California
4
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$22,947
Across California programs
Average Annual Cost
$24,296
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
California State University-Bakersfield
Grad rate: 49.5% |
+$361,200 | $63,823 | $18,815 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
California State University-Channel Islands
Grad rate: 55.1% |
+$21,311 | $49,170 | $24,039 | $19,209 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Grad rate: 85.3% |
-$54,592 | $46,604 | $29,918 | $20,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Grad rate: 46.1% |
-$236,128 | $35,076 | $24,412 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Natural Resources Management and Policy Degrees by State
Browse Natural Resources Management and Policy programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.