Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,032/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
2.6x earnings multiple
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 | $519K | $516K | $480K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.6x | 2.6x | 2.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 15 | 14 | 13 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,051
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,567
79% growth from Year 1
About Ithaca College
Ithaca College accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,350 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca 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
Compare & Explore
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ithaca College
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ithaca College's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 14/100 — 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 are Natural Resources & Conservation Research earnings lower at Ithaca College?
Lower starting pay at Ithaca College 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 →