Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,671/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #119 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the career paths shown lean toward research and academia, your earnings potential is driven by something the data can’t fully capture: the Dartmouth name. This degree isn't just a technical credential; it's an entry pass into a powerful alumni network and a brand that signals elite analytical ability to any employer. You’ll be competing for national roles at top environmental consultancies, federal agencies like the EPA, and ESG-focused roles in the corporate world, not just local forestry jobs in New Hampshire. The high AI risk reflects the data analysis component of modern conservation, but your critical thinking and leadership skills are what employers are really hiring you for. To maximize this, your key action is to aggressively leverage the alumni network. Don't just look for scientists; find graduates in policy, finance, and law who value your quantitative, systems-thinking background.

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 $519K $516K $480K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$262,956
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$114,476
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,078
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

About Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 4,367 students in Hanover, NH. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $114,476 — 56% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Dartmouth 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 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

How does Dartmouth College's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 35/100 — 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 Dartmouth College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $262,956, but the average net cost is $114,476 — a 56% 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 →