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Natural Resources Management and Policy at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,971/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (9.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #4 of 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs Top 25%

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	$577K	$569K	$523K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	13.1x	12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.3x	9.2x	8.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	60	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,428

Out-of-state: $62,044 (9.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,336

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,125

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,668

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,971 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus come in 10% above the national median of $37,130 for Natural Resources Management and Policy programs.

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 9% 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.

At $25,125 against $40,971/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

North Dakota State University-Main Campus ranks #4 among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 48% earnings increase from $40,971 to $60,668 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University-Main Campus accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 9,567 in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

At 60/100, North Dakota State University-Main Campus'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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

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.

Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Natural Resources Management and Policy?

Among 26 Natural Resources Management and Policy programs, North Dakota State University-Main Campus's #4 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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