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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,372/yr (-50% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 1.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #224 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 and Research graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$348K	$365K	$366K
Earnings Multiple	1.3x	1.3x	1.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$271,728

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$126,712

53% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Colorado College's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $17,372/yr, trailing the $34,545 national average by 50%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 1.3x 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 -5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #224 out of 256 programs, Colorado College's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Colorado College

Admission to Colorado College is competitive, with 20% of applicants accepted, with a smaller student body of 2,139 in Colorado Springs, CO. After financial aid, the average student pays $126,712 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado 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 and Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colorado 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

How does Colorado College's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?

This program scores 21/100 — 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.

Why are Natural Resources Conservation and Research earnings lower at Colorado College?

Lower starting pay at Colorado College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

How affordable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Colorado College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $271,728, but the average net cost is $126,712 — a 53% 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 →