Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Roanoke College
Salem, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,588/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
3.2x 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 | $474K | $476K | $450K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.2x | 3.2x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 31 | 27 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
About Roanoke College
With 80% of applicants admitted, Roanoke College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,801 students in Salem, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke College's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →