Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,067/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #52 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 $565K $557K $511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.6x 8.5x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 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)
$65,632
Out-of-state: $143,216 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,596
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,737
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,743
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,067/yr, edging above the $34,545 national average for Natural Resources Conservation and Research — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Resources Conservation and Research's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,737 in median debt against $40,067 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #52 of 256 nationally, this is a top-5% Natural Resources Conservation and Research program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $40,067 to $58,743 over five years — a 47% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

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 Rhode Island

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Rhode Island?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Natural Resources Conservation and Research careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $510,914 in decade earnings vs $565,148 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Rhode Island's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program stand out?
Ranked #52 of 256 programs nationally, University of Rhode Island lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →