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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,637/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 25%

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	$546K	$540K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.9x	12.7x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.5x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$42,400

Out-of-state: $82,720 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,608

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,337

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,132

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,637 at Stephen F Austin State University come in 9% above the national median of $34,545 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs.

With a 12.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,337 against $37,637/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Stephen F Austin State University ranks #40 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 46% earnings increase from $37,637 to $55,132 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin State University accepts 88% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,746 students in Nacogdoches, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Stephen F Austin State University →

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 Stephen F Austin State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Stephen F Austin State University?

At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Stephen F Austin State University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Stephen F Austin State University one of the best schools for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?

Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Stephen F Austin State University's #40 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →