Home › University of North Carolina Wilmington › Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,935/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #137 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 $499K $499K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 17.0x 16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.4x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 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)
$29,268
Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,888
-166% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,436
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,935/yr fall 16% below the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 17.0x 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 $21,500 against $28,935/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #137 ranking among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,935-to-$45,436 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington →

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

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Other Majors at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,463) Computer Science ($66,977) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($54,105) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,369) Chemistry ($44,473) Special Education and Teaching ($42,584) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,777) Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($39,366)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 33/100, 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 University of North Carolina Wilmington?
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 University of North Carolina Wilmington a good choice for Natural Resources Conservation and Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Wilmington's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →