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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,204/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 2.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #176 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	$636K	$620K	$558K
Earnings Multiple	3.0x	2.9x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$214,792

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$109,992

49% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,685

87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,204/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.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% 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.

A #176 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places The University of the South in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,204-to-$65,685 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of the South

A 51% admission rate makes The University of the South accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 1,598 students in Sewanee, TN. The average net cost of $109,992 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of the South →

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 the South

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 does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of the South?

At 29/100, 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 The University of the South?

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.

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