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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,264/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (2.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #149 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 $614K $600K $544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 8.7x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,553
104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,264/yr fall 15% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% 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 $15,500 against $29,264/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #149 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,264-to-$59,553 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,634) Computer Software and Media Applications ($98,117) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($93,674) Computer Engineering ($92,501) Information Science/Studies ($88,515) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($87,606) Industrial Engineering ($86,476) Mechanical Engineering ($82,823)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 32/100, 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor a good choice for Natural Resources Conservation and Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Michigan-Ann Arbor'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 →