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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,690/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 8.4x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #155 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	$591K	$580K	$528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.5x	8.4x	7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.7x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	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)

$69,428

Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,764

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,844

9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,260

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,690/yr, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst land near the $34,545 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 8.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,844 debt-to-$29,690 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #155 out of 256 programs, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,690 to $57,260 over five years (93% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 23,694 in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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

How does University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?

This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Natural Resources Conservation and Research to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

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