Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,336/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #130 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 $649K $631K $567K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.4x 14.9x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,240
Out-of-state: $121,400 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,720
-75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,632
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,487
144% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,336 place Stony Brook University below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $16,632 against $24,336/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #130 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Stony Brook University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,336-to-$59,487 earnings arc over five years reflects a 144% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Stony Brook University

A 49% admission rate makes Stony Brook University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook 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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Stony Brook University?
At 34/100, 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 Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook University a good choice for Natural Resources Conservation and Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Stony Brook 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 →