Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Bentley University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,600/yr (99% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #47 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $637K $621K $559K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,148
33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Bentley University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program earn $68,600/yr in their first year — 99% above the $34,545 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.7x — 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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At $27,000 in median debt against $68,600 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #47 of 256 nationally, this is a top-5% Natural Resources Conservation and Research program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

About Bentley University

With a 48% acceptance rate, Bentley University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,288 in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,148 — 33% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bentley 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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bentley 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Bentley University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $559,188 in decade earnings vs $637,416 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Bentley University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program stand out?
Ranked #47 of 256 programs nationally, Bentley University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →