Home › University of Kentucky › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

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 and 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

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,117/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.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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.

At $20,606 against $36,117/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #85 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places University of Kentucky in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $36,117-to-$54,801 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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 and 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 and Research at University of Kentucky?

At 38/100, 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 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 →