Home › Loyola University Chicago › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,797/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #227 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	$583K	$573K	$523K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.8x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$206,864

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$140,784

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,808

8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,939

85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,797 track close to the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,808 against $30,797/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #227 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Loyola University Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,797-to-$56,939 earnings arc over five years reflects a 85% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 11,576 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $140,784 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola University Chicago →

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 Loyola University Chicago

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Loyola University Chicago?

At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Loyola University Chicago?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →