Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,559/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
1.6x 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 | $417K | $426K | $412K |
| Earnings Multiple | 1.6x | 1.6x | 1.6x |
| 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)
$259,632
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
About Macalester College
Macalester College admits 28% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 2,131 students in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $119,920 — 54% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Macalester 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 Macalester 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 Macalester College's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 21/100 — 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.
How affordable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Macalester College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,632, but the average net cost is $119,920 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →