Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,601/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #123 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 $492K $492K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.4x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 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)
$47,408
Out-of-state: $97,804 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,284
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,897
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,915
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,601 per year, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Texas Tech University earn slightly above the $34,545 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $22,897 against $36,601/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #123 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places Texas Tech University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 28% earnings increase from $36,601 to $46,915 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas Tech University

With 71% of applicants admitted, Texas Tech University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 32,446 in Lubbock, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech 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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Texas Tech University?
At 35/100, 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 Texas Tech 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 →