Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,409/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
9.9x 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 | $504K | $502K | $470K |
| Earnings Multiple | 9.9x | 9.9x | 9.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,605
33% growth from Year 1
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. 46% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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 Illinois University
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
How does Northern Illinois University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 35/100 — 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 →