Natural Resources Management and Policy at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,445/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your strong earnings potential from this program isn't just about the degree; it's about location and connections. As a graduate of URI, The Ocean State's flagship public university, you'll be positioned perfectly for roles within state environmental agencies, coastal management authorities, and regional EPA offices. The curriculum blends hard science with economics and policy, preparing you for the analytical and regulatory work these jobs demand. Many graduates leverage this background into federal environmental law enforcement or lucrative consulting roles that help private firms navigate complex regulations. The high AI risk score for this field highlights the importance of the skills that can't be automated: fieldwork, stakeholder negotiation, and policy advocacy. To maximize your value, aggressively pursue internships with organizations like the RI Department of Environmental Management or NOAA to build your network and practical experience before you even graduate.

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 $595K $586K $536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 8.9x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,632
Out-of-state: $143,216 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,596
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,504
45% growth from Year 1

About University of Rhode Island

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Rhode Island prioritizes broad access, serving 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Rhode Island's Natural Resources Management and Policy program score?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources Management and Policy to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Management and Policy careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Rhode Island rank so high for Natural Resources Management and Policy?
The #5 ranking out of 26 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →