Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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%

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 $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

Program Analysis

Graduates of Bucknell University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program earn $46,698/yr in their first year — 35% above the $34,545 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,798 represents roughly 7 months of the $46,698 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #122 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Bucknell University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

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 and 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 and Research at Bucknell University?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and 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 →