Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,430/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
8.9x 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 | $509K | $507K | $474K |
| Earnings Multiple | 9.0x | 8.9x | 8.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 26 | 26 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,644
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,528
64% growth from Year 1
About Central Michigan University
A 91% acceptance rate means Central Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 9,916 in Mount Pleasant, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →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 Central Michigan University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Central Michigan University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Central Michigan University Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Natural Resources & Conservation Research earnings lower at Central Michigan University?
Lower starting pay at Central Michigan University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →