Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,414/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #159 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 $535K $530K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.6x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.7x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,200
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,255
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,414/yr, roughly in line with the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,200 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,414 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #159 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Texas State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $50,255 show a 71% jump from the $29,414 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Texas State University

Texas State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 Texas State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Texas State University?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $490,594 in decade earnings vs $534,728 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →