Natural Resources & Conservation Research at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,188/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
12.1x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
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 | $491K | $491K | $462K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.1x | 12.1x | 11.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.7x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 28 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,576
Out-of-state: $72,832 (6.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,894
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,034
56% growth from Year 1
About The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,878 students in Chattanooga, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga →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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $461,592 in decade earnings vs $491,311 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Natural Resources & Conservation Research from The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →