Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Flagler College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Flagler's Natural Resources Conservation program starts graduates at $28,175—roughly $6,000 below the state median and nearly $10,000 behind top Florida programs like University of West Florida. While the debt load of $24,427 isn't catastrophic, it's actually higher than the state median for this field, creating an unfavorable squeeze where graduates carry more debt but earn less than their in-state peers.
The 40th percentile ranking among Florida programs tells the story: this sits squarely in the bottom half of options within the state. For context, UF graduates in this field earn 22% more in their first year, while UWF graduates earn 32% more—a difference of thousands of dollars annually when managing loan payments. The 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which becomes challenging when that salary is already below $30,000.
For Florida families, this program represents a weaker value compared to other in-state alternatives. If your child is set on environmental work at a smaller institution, understand they'll likely start behind peers from larger state universities—both in earnings and debt burden. The acceptance rate of 78% suggests admission flexibility, but that accessibility doesn't translate to competitive career outcomes in this field.
Where Flagler College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources conservation and research bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Flagler College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Flagler College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 18th percentile of all natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagler College | $28,175 | — | $24,427 | 0.87 |
| University of West Florida | $37,214 | $39,209 | — | — |
| University of South Florida | $36,048 | $42,843 | $18,840 | 0.52 |
| Florida International University | $36,007 | $38,957 | — | — |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $34,875 | $34,866 | $19,215 | 0.55 |
| University of Florida | $34,454 | $50,192 | $20,500 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $33,988 | — | $23,010 | 0.68 |
Other Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Florida Pensacola | $6,360 | $37,214 | — |
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $36,048 | $18,840 |
| Florida International University Miami | $6,565 | $36,007 | — |
| Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers | $6,118 | $34,875 | $19,215 |
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $34,454 | $20,500 |
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 Flagler College, approximately 28% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.