Natural Resources Conservation and Research at George Mason University

George Mason's Natural Resources Conservation program significantly outperforms most schools nationally, placing in the 93rd percentile for graduate earnings—roughly $9,000 above the national median. Starting at $43,038 and growing to $47,283 by year four represents solid progression in a field not known for high salaries. The debt load of $23,021 is perfectly manageable with a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning graduates can typically handle payments without financial strain.

The Virginia picture adds nuance: while this program crushes national competition, it ranks middle-of-the-pack within the state at the 60th percentile. You're essentially getting UVA-level earnings ($41,790) at a more accessible institution with an 89% admission rate. Among the 21 Virginia programs, George Mason trails only UVA and Roanoke, beating out larger programs like Virginia Tech. For families weighing in-state options, this represents strong value—you're not sacrificing outcomes by choosing a less selective school.

The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a massive program, but the data is reliable enough to trust. If your child is interested in conservation work and Virginia residency makes George Mason affordable, the combination of strong national performance and reasonable debt makes this a sound choice. They'll graduate with earning power well above most peers in their field.