Natural Resources Management at Hocking College

Nelsonville, OH · Public · Associate Degree · Natural Resources Management and Policy

with a smaller student body of 1,648 in Nelsonville, OH.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,817 place Hocking College below the $36,703 national median for Natural Resources Management — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 43.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Natural Resources Management carry above-average AI exposure (42% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $27,817 far exceeding the $11,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Natural Resources Management is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. Hocking College's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

The $27,817-to-$44,672 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 24 apprenticeship pathways connected to Natural Resources Management reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
60
Score
63
High End
Earnings $27,817/yr (-24% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (58% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (310,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$488K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
46.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,600
Out-of-state: $19,620
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,672
61% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Natural Resources Management graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980 +2.1% 52%
Economists $115,440 +1.2% 39%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980
+2.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Economists
$115,440
+1.2% growth 39% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Natural Resources Management Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Natural Resources Management — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Hocking College and 1 other schools.

Read the full Natural Resources Management career guide →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Management Overview

Natural Resources Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hocking College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management at Hocking College?
This program scores 60/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Natural Resources Management programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management at Hocking College?
AI exposure of 42% is a real factor. For Hocking College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($488,155) and pessimistic ($291,027) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Why are Natural Resources Management earnings lower at Hocking College?
Lower starting pay at Hocking College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Natural Resources Management program at Hocking College?
Yes — 24 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Natural Resources Management career paths, including Fire Apparatus Engineer. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Hocking College.
What's the job market like for Natural Resources Management from Hocking College?
Job availability for Natural Resources Management is strong — 310,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Hocking College graduates specifically, local market conditions in OH may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →