Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,097/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
10.2x 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 | $518K | $515K | $480K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.2x | 10.2x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,869
57% growth from Year 1
About Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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
Other Majors at Northern Arizona University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Northern Arizona University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →