Natural Resources & Conservation Research at George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$43,038/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
9.5x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
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 | $530K | $526K | $487K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.6x | 9.5x | 8.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.4x | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 43 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$55,260
Out-of-state: $157,588 (3.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,483
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,409
26% growth from Year 1
About George Mason University
With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, with 27,083 students enrolled in Fairfax, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at George Mason 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
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
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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 George Mason University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation 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 does George Mason University rank so high for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
The #41 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →