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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Maine

Orono, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,297/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #34 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 25%

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	$559K	$552K	$507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.1x	10.9x	10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	3.9x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	44	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,424

Out-of-state: $141,384 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,180

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,334

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,652

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Maine's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $39,297/yr — above the $34,545 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.9x 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 Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,334 against $39,297/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Maine ranks #34 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $39,297 to $57,652 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Maine

A 96% acceptance rate means University of Maine is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,341 students in Orono, ME.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maine →

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 University of Maine

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Maine?

At 44/100, 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 University of Maine?

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 University of Maine one of the best schools for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?

Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, University of Maine's #34 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 →