Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Boston College

Boston College graduates in Natural Resources Conservation earn substantially more than their peers—$49,111 versus a state median of $36,766 and a national median of just under $34,000. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Massachusetts, impressive rankings that suggest BC's selective environment and strong alumni network extend real benefits even into this traditionally lower-earning field. The $17,200 in median debt is manageable at 35% of first-year earnings, though it's worth noting this is actually above typical debt loads for this major (87th percentile nationally).

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. Still, the pattern makes sense: BC's institutional prestige and career services likely help natural resources graduates access better-paying positions in consulting, policy, or corporate sustainability roles rather than entry-level fieldwork. For a family considering this path, the debt level is reasonable and the earnings premium over state alternatives is real. Just understand you're paying for BC's brand and network as much as the curriculum itself, and verify that natural resources—not environmental studies or a related field—is truly the right fit before committing to a competitive, selective program.