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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,381/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #239 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

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 $579K $569K $520K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$177,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,564
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,761
104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePaul University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $26,381/yr, trailing the $34,545 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 3.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,381 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #239 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, DePaul University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,761 show a 104% jump from the $26,381 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About DePaul University

A 74% acceptance rate means DePaul University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 14,283 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul 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

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at DePaul University

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($84,066) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($79,863) Computer Programming ($72,234) Accounting and Related Services ($69,250) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,769) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,863) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($61,482) Information Science/Studies ($60,468)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 DePaul University?
A score of 18/100 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 $520,039 in decade earnings vs $578,804 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Natural Resources Conservation and Research from DePaul University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →