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Natural Resources Management and Policy at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,967/yr (32% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)

ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #10 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$527K	$523K	$487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.2x	8.2x	7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	3.0x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	55	54	50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$63,952

Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,004

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Michigan State University Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates command $48,967/yr out of the gate, well above the $37,130 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Management and Policy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $48,967 in annual earnings.

A #10 ranking among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs places Michigan State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Michigan State University

A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management and Policy at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at Michigan State University?

At 54/100, Michigan State University's Natural Resources Management and Policy program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management and Policy at Michigan State University?

The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →