Natural Resources Management and Policy (Bachelor's Degree) at Auburn University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,946

Est. from national median (26 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,250

Est. from national median (23 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of $23,250 against first-year earnings around $38,000 creates a manageable burden—peer programs in natural resources management nationally suggest graduates carry about 61% of their first-year income in debt, well below thresholds that typically cause financial strain. That said, these figures come from comparable programs across the country rather than Auburn's own graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education doesn't publish due to small sample sizes. This makes it harder to know whether Auburn's specific curriculum and regional connections deliver better or worse results than the national pattern.

The field itself shows consistent but modest earnings. Nationally, natural resources management bachelor's graduates cluster tightly around $38,000 in first-year earnings, with even the top quarter earning only about $42,000. Auburn's relatively low Pell enrollment (12%) and solid academic profile suggest its students may have family resources to supplement early-career income, which matters when entering a field where financial rewards accumulate gradually through public sector advancement or specialized consulting work rather than immediate high salaries.

For a student genuinely committed to conservation, land management, or environmental policy work, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable. But parents should understand they're looking at national averages rather than Auburn-specific outcomes, and this field rewards patience—quick financial returns aren't the norm.

Where Auburn University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources management and policy bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Natural Resources Management and Policy bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Auburn UniversityAuburn	$12,536	$37,946*	—	$23,250*	—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$48,967*	—	$21,755*	0.44
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown	$9,648	$47,232*	—	$25,000*	0.53
University of Rhode IslandKingston	$16,408	$44,445*	$51,853	$25,000*	0.56
Glenville State UniversityGlenville	$9,412	$42,490*	—	$23,250*	0.55
Paul Smiths College of Arts and SciencePaul Smiths	$32,049	$41,863*	$50,456	$27,000*	0.64
National Median	—	$37,946*	—	$25,000*	0.66

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with natural resources management and policy graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 26 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.