Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,266/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #219 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 $479K $481K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.0x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,216
Out-of-state: $75,200 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,940
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,566
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,641
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,266 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Northern Michigan University earn below the $34,545 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 $22,566 against $26,266/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #219 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Northern Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,266-to-$41,641 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan 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 does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Northern Michigan University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Northern Michigan University?
The 48% 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 Northern Michigan University a good choice for Natural Resources Conservation and Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →