Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,669/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #214 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 Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $496K $495K $464K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,186
32% growth from Year 1

About Augustana College

Augustana College's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

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 Research at Other Schools

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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 Research at Augustana College?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $464,469 in decade earnings vs $495,616 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Augustana College a hidden gem for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
After financial aid, the average student pays $49,748 over four years — 75% below the $199,336 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →