Home › Catawba College › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

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

Ranked #232 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	$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

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,840

45% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,268

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $27,389 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Catawba College earn below the $34,545 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,268 debt-to-$27,389 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #232 out of 256 programs, Catawba College's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research program score?

This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and 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 →