Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$44,236/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
12.3x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
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 | $536K | $531K | $491K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.4x | 12.3x | 11.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 48 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,120
Out-of-state: $118,012 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,630
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,583
26% growth from Year 1
About Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 14,932 students in Denver, CO.
See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan State University of Denver →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
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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 Metropolitan State University of Denver's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 48/100 — 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 does Metropolitan State University of Denver rank so high for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
The #13 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →