Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,621/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

Program Analysis

While the initial earnings may not match fields like finance, a Cornell degree in Natural Resources is a launchpad for leadership roles. The program's strength comes from its unique position as an Ivy League institution with a land-grant mission, blending elite theoretical research with hands-on fieldwork in the surrounding Finger Lakes ecosystem. Your peers won't just be future scientists; they'll be future policymakers and leaders at organizations like the EPA, The Nature Conservancy, or the World Bank. The powerful alumni network and faculty connections are invaluable for securing competitive spots in top-tier graduate programs, which are often a prerequisite for the high-impact research and academic careers many graduates pursue. To maximize your investment, plan on leveraging Cornell's reputation to pursue an advanced degree or a prestigious fellowship right after graduation.

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 $581K $571K $521K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,505
48% growth from Year 1

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

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

Other Majors at Cornell 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 Cornell University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Cornell University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,056, but the average net cost is $129,348 — a 51% 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 →