Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,763/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #234 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 $412K $422K $409K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$145,484
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,184
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,763 place Gonzaga University below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The financial case is thin at 2.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,184 represents roughly 10 months of the $28,763 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #234 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Gonzaga University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,098 in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Gonzaga University?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $408,909 in decade earnings vs $412,437 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Natural Resources Conservation and Research from Gonzaga 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 →