Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,038/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI
8.2x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $548K | $542K | $500K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.3x | 8.2x | 7.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 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)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,220
66% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 20,797 students enrolled in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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
Compare & Explore
Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Commonwealth University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 31/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth 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 →