Natural Resources & Conservation Research at DePaul University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
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
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
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
Compare & Explore
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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
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 →