Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Duke University

Duke's environmental program shows a puzzling pattern: graduates earn just $28,121 in their first year—well below the national median of $33,988 and placing this elite program in the 18th percentile nationally. That's concerning for a school with 1539 average SATs and a 7% admission rate. The initial earnings barely edge out North Carolina's state median of $28,528, and trail programs at UNC-Pembroke and NC State by substantial margins.

The dramatic reversal comes by year four, when median earnings jump to $56,777—a 102% increase that suggests many graduates pursue graduate degrees or enter fields with delayed payoff periods. While Duke's relatively low debt load of $11,875 means graduates aren't crushed by payments during those lean early years, this trajectory requires significant patience and likely additional education investments. The debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.42 looks manageable only because Duke's financial aid is generous compared to other schools offering this major.

If your child plans to go directly into conservation work after graduation, the numbers suggest they'll struggle financially in those early years despite the prestigious degree. This program appears designed for students heading to graduate school or willing to accept entry-level nonprofit salaries before transitioning to higher-paying environmental careers. Make sure your family can support them through that initial period.