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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

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

Ranked #252 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	$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

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$131,860

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,051

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,567

79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,032 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Ithaca College earn below the $34,545 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,051 debt-to-$26,032 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #252 out of 256 programs, Ithaca College's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,032 to $46,567 over five years (79% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

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

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research program score?

This program scores 14/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and 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 →