Location: Sioux Center, IA•In-State Tuition: $35,960•Admission Rate: 71%•Avg SAT: 1175
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 conservation programs cluster tightly around $35,000 in first-year earnings, and estimates based on four similar programs in the state suggest Dordt's outcomes track right with this pattern. The estimated $24,273 in debt sits slightly above the state median of $22,239, though it's worth noting this figure comes from national data across similar private institutions rather than Dordt-specific outcomes. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means you're looking at roughly eight months of gross income to cover the borrowing—manageable, but not exactly generous breathing room for someone starting a conservation career.

The challenge here isn't unique to Dordt: this field simply doesn't command high starting salaries regardless of where you study it. Iowa State's graduates earn about $38,000, which is the best in the state but still modest for a four-year degree. The real question is whether your child is committed enough to conservation work to accept that financial reality. These careers often rely on passion and mission fit rather than compensation, and peer programs suggest Dordt delivers typical outcomes for the field.

If your child is certain about this path, Dordt's estimate falls squarely in the middle of what Iowa programs produce. But recognize you're financing a calling more than a high-earning career, and the debt burden, while not crushing, will require careful budgeting in those early years.

Where Dordt University Stands

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

Dordt University (estimated ±10%)Other natural resources conservation and research programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Dordt UniversitySioux Center$35,960$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 Dordt University, approximately 18% 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.