Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Augustana College
Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
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
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
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
Compare & Explore
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
Other Majors at Augustana College
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 →