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Natural Resources Management and Policy at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,863/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)

ROI 4.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #18 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$537K	$533K	$495K
Earnings Multiple	4.2x	4.2x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$128,196

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,332

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,219

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates start at $41,863/yr — above the $37,130 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 4.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Management and Policy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $41,863/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #18 ranking among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs places Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $41,863 to $55,219 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

A 91% acceptance rate means Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 582 students in Paul Smiths, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management and Policy at Other Schools

Other Majors at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

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

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?

At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Management and Policy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management and Policy at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?

The 42% 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →