Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,870/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #99 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $716K $690K $612K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$268,096
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,428
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,918
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,870 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Colgate University earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $17,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #99 out of 256 programs, Colgate University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $41,870 to $78,918 over five years (88% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Colgate University

With just 12% of applicants admitted, Colgate University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a smaller student body of 3,122 in Hamilton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $116,428 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Colgate 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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colgate University

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

How does Colgate University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and 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.
How affordable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Colgate University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $268,096, but the average net cost is $116,428 — a 57% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →