Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree) at Cornell College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,999

Est. from IA median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,273

Est. from national median (80 programs)

Analysis

Iowa's natural resources programs cluster tightly around $35,000 in first-year earnings, and Cornell College appears to fit right into that pattern. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect roughly $35,000 starting out, with estimated debt of $24,273—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 that's manageable but not exactly comfortable. Iowa State leads the pack at nearly $38,000, while Luther College stands out for dramatically lower debt loads, suggesting that outcomes in this field vary more by how much you borrow than where you study.

The challenge with natural resources careers is the pay ceiling. Nationally, even top programs only push median earnings to around $39,000, meaning this isn't a field where starting salaries climb much higher regardless of the school. Cornell's estimated figures suggest a fairly standard entry point for the field, but that $24,000 in debt will take several years of disciplined repayment on a conservation officer's or park ranger's salary. The work often comes with strong benefits and job security that raw earnings don't capture, but the financial math is tight early on.

For families concerned about return on investment, the key question is whether your child is committed to this specific career path. The earnings trajectory is modest and predictable, so this degree makes sense primarily for students genuinely passionate about conservation work—not those exploring options or hoping for financial flexibility after graduation.

Where Cornell College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources conservation and research bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (18 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Cornell CollegeMount Vernon	$50,634	$34,999*	—	$24,273*	—
Iowa State UniversityAmes	$10,497	$37,890*	$54,860	$22,227*	0.59
University of IowaIowa City	$10,964	$35,650*	$48,825	$24,000*	0.67
Upper Iowa UniversityFayette	$19,000	$34,347*	$47,573	$22,251*	0.65
Luther CollegeDecorah	$50,320	$19,239*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$33,988*	—	$23,010*	0.68

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with natural resources conservation and research graduates

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:

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$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

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$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

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 Cornell College, approximately 29% 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 median of 4 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.