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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,486/yr (29% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #45 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 25%

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	$501K	$500K	$468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.5x	11.4x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.5x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,768

Out-of-state: $111,264 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,532

-63% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,186

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $44,486 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Kansas State University significantly outpace the $34,545 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

The median debt load of $22,186 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Kansas State University ranks #45 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Kansas State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kansas State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 14,835 in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas 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 Kansas State 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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Kansas State University?

At 42/100, 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 Kansas 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.

Is Kansas State University one of the best schools for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?

Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Kansas State University's #45 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →