Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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

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 $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

Program Analysis

At $41,621 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Cornell University earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $15,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #173 out of 256 programs, Cornell University's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,621 to $61,505 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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 and 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 and Research program score?
This program scores 29/100 — 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 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 →