Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Clemson University

The small sample size here demands caution, but Clemson's natural resources program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn just $25,115 in their first year—landing in the 5th percentile nationally for this field. That's nearly $9,000 below the national median and $5,700 below South Carolina's typical outcome. Even at a selective institution like Clemson (38% admission rate, 1341 average SAT), these graduates struggle initially, earning less than many associate degree holders.

The 90% earnings jump to $47,753 by year four offers some redemption, but that explosive growth may reflect graduates finding footing in adjacent careers rather than traditional conservation roles. The $21,200 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.84 ratio), yet you're still financing four years of college for an income that starts below the poverty line for a family of four. Compare this to USC-Columbia's natural resources grads, who start at $35,081—$10,000 higher right out of the gate.

For families considering this path: the data suggests either this program channels students toward low-paying entry positions (field technician roles, seasonal work) or graduates are underemployed initially. With fewer than 30 students in this dataset, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. If your child is passionate about conservation work, understand they may need family support or a second income source for those critical first years after graduation.