Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,725/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
13.4x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
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 | $494K | $494K | $463K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.4x | 13.4x | 12.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.6x | 4.6x | 4.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,768
Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,137
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,975
51% growth from Year 1
About Central Washington University
Central Washington University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 8,081 in Ellensburg, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington 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
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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 Central Washington University?
A score of 31/100 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 $463,245 in decade earnings vs $493,783 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →