Home › Macalester College › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

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

Ranked #229 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	$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

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$119,920

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,559 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.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,000 debt-to-$29,559 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #229 out of 256 programs, Macalester College's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

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

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research program score?

This program scores 21/100 — 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.

How affordable is Natural Resources Conservation and 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 →