Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,698/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #122 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While many conservation programs focus on fieldwork, Bucknell's "and Research" emphasis points to a more analytical, lab-based curriculum. This prepares you not just for state park service, but for higher-paying roles in environmental consulting, corporate compliance, and policy analysis. The school's strong reputation and deep alumni network in the mid-Atlantic create direct pipelines to government agencies like the EPA and specialized consulting firms that serve the region's significant energy and manufacturing sectors. You’re not just learning about ecosystems; you're learning the quantitative and regulatory skills to manage them at a high level. To maximize this advantage, seek out a research-intensive internship with a professor or a consulting firm early on—this will set you apart and open doors to the most lucrative career paths right after graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $514K $511K $477K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,798
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$63,177
35% growth from Year 1

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University admits 32% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 3,818 students in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell 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 Research at Other Schools

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Bucknell University?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $476,565 in decade earnings vs $513,724 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →