Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,690/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
8.4x earnings multiple (3.7x 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 | $591K | $580K | $528K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.5x | 8.4x | 7.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.8x | 3.7x | 3.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,844
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,260
93% growth from Year 1
About University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 23,694 in Amherst, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →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
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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
How does University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources & Conservation Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →