Natural Resources & Conservation Research at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,381/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #239 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 Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $579K $569K $520K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$177,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,564
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,761
104% growth from Year 1

About DePaul University

A 74% acceptance rate means DePaul University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 14,283 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul 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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at DePaul University?
A score of 18/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $520,039 in decade earnings vs $578,804 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Natural Resources & Conservation Research from DePaul University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →