Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,123/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
11.6x earnings multiple (5.4x 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 | $479K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.7x | 11.6x | 10.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.5x | 5.4x | 5.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 27 | 25 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,332
Out-of-state: $94,732 (5.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,646
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,470
78% growth from Year 1
About Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,653 in Gunnison, CO.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado University
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
How does Western Colorado University's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 27/100 — 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.
Why are Natural Resources & Conservation Research earnings lower at Western Colorado University?
Lower starting pay at Western Colorado University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →