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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

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)

Ranked #162 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs

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	$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)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$77,808

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,220

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,038/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.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $21,500 against $32,038/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #162 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,038-to-$53,220 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources Conservation and 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 and Research at Virginia Commonwealth University?

At 31/100, 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 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 →