Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $34,000 track close to the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $27,000 against $34,000/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
Ball State University ranks #59 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $34,000-to-$57,266 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.