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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,398/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 3.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #201 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	$439K	$445K	$426K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.5x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$128,196

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,332

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,398/yr, roughly in line with the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,250 debt-to-$33,398 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #201 out of 256 programs, Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 582 students in Paul Smiths, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science →

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 Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

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

How does Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?

This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

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