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Natural Resources Management and Policy at Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,818/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)

ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #24 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$426K	$432K	$416K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.4x	17.7x	17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.3x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$24,472

Out-of-state: $100,648 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$41,276

-69% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,615

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$35,067

14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,818 place Florida Gulf Coast University below the $37,130 national median for Natural Resources Management and Policy — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Management and Policy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,615 against $30,818/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs places Florida Gulf Coast University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $30,818 to $35,067 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,809 in Fort Myers, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Gulf Coast University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management and Policy at Other Schools

Other Majors at Florida Gulf Coast University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at Florida Gulf Coast University?

At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Management and Policy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management and Policy at Florida Gulf Coast University?

The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Florida Gulf Coast University a good choice for Natural Resources Management and Policy despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Florida Gulf Coast University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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