Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Canisius University

The earnings data here should stop you in your tracks: $15,681 one year after graduation is barely above minimum wage, landing in the bottom 10% of similar programs both nationally and statewide. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances could be skewing these numbers significantly, the gap is too stark to ignore—New York's median for this program is double at $31,223, and even the national benchmark is $34,000. The $26,000 debt load isn't unusually high by itself, but paired with poverty-level first-year earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio that would be financially crushing.

The most likely explanation is that graduates are working field-season positions, internships, or part-time roles in conservation while searching for permanent positions—common in this field but still concerning. However, top NY programs like Cornell and Colgate show graduates earning $38,000-$42,000, proving that environmental careers can provide decent starting salaries with the right preparation and network.

Given these numbers, this program requires serious scrutiny. If your child is committed to conservation work, demand to see multi-year earnings data and job placement details before enrolling. The small sample means one or two outliers could be distorting the picture, but you need proof. Otherwise, consider whether the same career goals might be reached through SUNY schools or the stronger private programs that are actually launching graduates into livable wages.