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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

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)

Ranked #187 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	$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)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,268

-26% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,894

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,034

56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,188/yr fall 18% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,894 represents roughly 8 months of the $28,188 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #187 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,034 show a 56% jump from the $28,188 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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

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

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?

A score of 28/100 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 $461,592 in decade earnings vs $491,311 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Natural Resources Conservation and 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 →