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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,121/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 3.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #207 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	$813K	$777K	$677K
Earnings Multiple	3.1x	3.0x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$263,220

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$137,816

48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,875

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$78,003

177% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,121/yr fall 19% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 3.0x 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 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $11,875 in median debt against $28,121 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #207 out of 256 programs, Duke University's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $28,121 to $78,003 over five years (177% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Duke University

Duke University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, enrolling 6,417 students in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke 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 Duke University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Duke University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?

This program scores 25/100 — 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.

Why are Natural Resources Conservation and Research earnings lower at Duke University?

Lower starting pay at Duke University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →