Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,693/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 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 $526K $522K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.9x 15.8x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,000
Out-of-state: $71,664 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,140
-79% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,733
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,657
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,693/yr, roughly in line with the $34,545 national median for Natural Resources Conservation and Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 15.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,733 debt-to-$35,693 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #53 out of 256 programs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,693 to $51,657 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,180 students in Whitewater, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater →

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 Wisconsin-Whitewater

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 Wisconsin-Whitewater's Natural Resources Conservation and Research program score?
This program scores 42/100 — 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.
Why does University of Wisconsin-Whitewater rank so high for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?
The #53 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →