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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,552/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #182 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 $472K $475K $449K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.6x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,608
Out-of-state: $126,488 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,472
-110% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,182
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Montana's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $27,552/yr, trailing the $34,545 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 14.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,500 debt-to-$27,552 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #182 out of 256 programs, The University of Montana's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $27,552 to $41,182 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About The University of Montana

A 96% acceptance rate means The University of Montana is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 7,079 students in Missoula, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →

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

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at The University of Montana

Management Information Systems and Services ($54,816) Accounting and Related Services ($47,164) Biology, General ($43,914) Sociology ($39,160) Political Science and Government ($38,094) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($37,784) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($36,142) Journalism ($35,924)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 The University of Montana's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?
This program scores 28/100 — 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.
Why are Natural Resources Conservation and Research earnings lower at The University of Montana?
Lower starting pay at The University of Montana may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →