Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,979/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $453K $458K $436K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 22

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
$24,218
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,979 at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science come in 21% above the national median of $29,850 for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,218 against $35,979/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #19 ranking among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs places Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Zoologists and wildlife biologists $72,860/yr
Conservation scientists $67,950/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management 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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →