Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Bemidji State University

Bemidji State's Natural Resources Conservation program punches above its weight, with graduates earning $39,195—considerably more than the national median of $34,000 and placing in the 76th percentile nationally. However, the state comparison reveals stiffer competition: while this beats Minnesota's median by about $3,700, it lags behind several in-state alternatives, including Saint John's and Saint Cloud State where graduates clear $43,000. The debt load of $24,000 is fairly typical for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.61 ratio that most graduates should be able to handle within a few years of steady employment.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, so they're more of a snapshot than a guarantee. That said, the program's solid national standing suggests Bemidji State is doing something right in preparing conservation professionals, even if it doesn't quite match the earning power of Minnesota's top programs in this field.

For families prioritizing affordability and a clear path to employment in natural resources, Bemidji State offers decent value with reasonable debt. Just recognize that if your child is competitive for admission to Saint John's or Saint Cloud State, those programs deliver meaningfully higher starting salaries—roughly $4,000 more annually—that could compound to significant differences over a career.