Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $26,931/yr fall 22% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 8% 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 $21,908 against $26,931/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #160 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places The University of Texas at San Antonio in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $26,931-to-$48,624 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.