Natural Resources & Conservation Researchat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $41,790/yr in their first year — about 21.0% above the national Natural Resources & Conservation Research average. Base-case 10-year earnings $554K; scenarios range from $509K to $562K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
While conservation isn't typically a high-paying field right after graduation, your earning potential here is driven by two key factors: UVA's powerful reputation and its prime location. You're not just earning a science degree; you're gaining access to a prestigious alumni network that permeates government and private consulting. Proximity to Washington, D.C. creates a direct pipeline to federal agencies like the EPA, the Department of the Interior, and national non-profits that value the UVA name. This program's research focus also prepares you for data-heavy roles in environmental consulting or for the advanced degrees often required for leadership. To maximize this advantage, aggressively pursue internships in the D.C. area during your summers—that hands-on policy or agency experience will be your most valuable asset upon graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Virginia's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Natural Resources & Conservation Research
How University of Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Natural Resources & Conservation Research offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Natural Resources & Conservation Research trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Virginia
How does University of Virginia-Main Campus's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 41/100 — 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.
Why does University of Virginia-Main Campus rank so high for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
The #63 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.