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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Vermont State University

Randolph, VT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,997/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #111 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	$462K	$466K	$442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.1x	10.2x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.4x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,600

Out-of-state: $85,632 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,460

-83% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,719

7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,997 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Vermont State University earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

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 4% 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 #111 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Vermont State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $39,997 to $42,719 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Vermont State University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Vermont State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,567 students in Randolph, VT.

See all programs and financial aid at Vermont State University →

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 Vermont State University

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Vermont State University?

At 36/100, 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 Vermont State University?

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 →