Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,541/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #197 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed show high national earning potential, your initial post-graduation reality will likely be shaped by the unique job market of the Four Corners region. Fort Lewis has deep ties to local and federal land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and state parks, which are major employers for graduates. However, many entry-level roles in this sector are seasonal, field-based, or part of federal pathways that start with lower pay scales before offering long-term stability and growth. The work is incredibly rewarding—hands-on conservation in the San Juan Mountains—but it doesn't follow the high-salary trajectory of a corporate or tech job. To maximize your prospects, prioritize getting seasonal field experience every summer; those internships are the direct pipeline to full-time federal conservation careers after you graduate.

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 $524K $520K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.5x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.3x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,680
Out-of-state: $83,192 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,356
-79% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,951
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,158
100% growth from Year 1

About Fort Lewis College

A 93% acceptance rate means Fort Lewis College is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 3,070 students in Durango, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Lewis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Fort Lewis College?
A score of 26/100 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 $483,415 in decade earnings vs $523,981 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Natural Resources & Conservation Research from Fort Lewis College?
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 →