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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
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
Ranked #161 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 $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
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,144
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $39,588 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Roanoke College earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 3.2x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$39,588 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #161 out of 256 programs, Roanoke College's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at Roanoke College

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,557) Sociology ($38,983) Biology, General ($37,458) Communication and Media Studies ($36,220) Psychology, General ($32,550) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($27,304) History ($25,940) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($19,925)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 and Research program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →