Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,745/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
17.9x earnings multiple (4.6x 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 | $589K | $578K | $527K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.2x | 17.9x | 16.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.7x | 4.6x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 48 | 45 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,752
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,659
65% growth from Year 1
About Montana State University
A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.
See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →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
Compare Natural Resources & Conservation Research
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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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Montana State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Montana State University?
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.
Is Montana State University one of the best schools for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs, Montana State University's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →