Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Catawba College
Salisbury, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,389/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
3.1x earnings multiple
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 | $405K | $415K | $404K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.0x | 3.1x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 20 | 20 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,268
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
About Catawba College
With 78% of applicants admitted, Catawba College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,127 in Salisbury, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $72,840 over four years — 45% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Catawba College →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
Compare & Explore
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
Other Majors at Catawba College
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Catawba College's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Natural Resources & Conservation Research earnings lower at Catawba College?
Lower starting pay at Catawba College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →