Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree) at George Washington University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$51,201

95th percentile

Median Debt

$19,500

15% below national median

Analysis

George Washington's natural resources program launches graduates well above the national median—$51,201 versus $33,988—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. However, with only three DC schools offering this degree, that 60th percentile state ranking becomes more meaningful: American University's program produces comparable outcomes at $46,780, suggesting GW's premium pricing doesn't translate to proportional career advantages within the local market.

The $19,500 debt load is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that puts graduates on solid financial footing from day one. Earnings climb to $60,690 by year four, a respectable 19% increase that suggests decent career momentum. Still, the 76th percentile debt ranking reveals this comes at a higher borrowing cost than most peer programs, even if the absolute amount remains reasonable.

The critical caveat: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing dramatically year to year. One cohort landing competitive federal positions could inflate the median; another pursuing nonprofit work could depress it. For families paying GW's premium tuition, the real question is whether this program's DC location and networking opportunities justify the cost when similar outcomes might be achievable elsewhere. If your student plans to stay in the region and leverage GW's connections, the investment makes sense. If they're location-flexible, cheaper programs producing similar graduates exist nationwide.

Where George Washington University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How George Washington University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
George Washington University	$51,201	$60,690	+19%
University of Maryland Global Campus	$55,545	$72,828	+31%
University of California-Berkeley	$47,338	$72,049	+52%
Colgate University	$41,870	$70,524	+68%
University of California-Los Angeles	$31,944	$69,142	+116%

Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (3 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
George Washington UniversityWashington	$64,990	$51,201	$60,690	$19,500	0.38
American UniversityWashington	$56,543	$46,780	—	$26,905	0.58
National Median	—	$33,988	—	$23,010	0.68

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 George Washington University, approximately 15% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.