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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,081/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #39 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	$616K	$602K	$545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	11.9x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.3x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,752

Out-of-state: $139,736 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,000

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$63,196

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of South Carolina-Columbia's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program produces graduates earning $35,081/yr — within striking distance of the $34,545 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,081 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #39 of 256 nationally, this is a top-5% Natural Resources Conservation and Research program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $63,196 show a 80% jump from the $35,081 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia's 61% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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 South Carolina-Columbia

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

A score of 43/100 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 $544,764 in decade earnings vs $615,820 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of South Carolina-Columbia's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program stand out?

Ranked #39 of 256 programs nationally, University of South Carolina-Columbia 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 →