Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,347/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #143 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 $538K $533K $493K
Earnings Multiple 7.1x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$76,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$92,688
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,875
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,347 track close to the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 7.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 $14,000 in median debt against $34,347 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #143 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Upper Iowa University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,347-to-$52,875 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,021 in Fayette, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Upper Iowa University?
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 Upper Iowa 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →