Program Analysis
Augustana College's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program produces graduates earning $35,669/yr — within striking distance of the $34,545 national average for this field.
The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $35,669 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #214 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Augustana College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $35,669 to $47,186 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.