Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,117/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #85 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 50%

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 $547K $541K $499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.2x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.0x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,606
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,801
52% growth from Year 1

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Kentucky?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Kentucky?
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 →