Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $25,115/yr fall 27% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $21,200 debt-to-$25,115 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #204 out of 256 programs, Clemson University's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $25,115 to $52,586 over five years (109% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.