Natural Resources Management and Policy at Hocking College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Hocking College graduates from this associate's program start at $27,817 but see their earnings jump 37% to over $38,000 within four years—an impressive trajectory that outperforms 95% of similar programs nationwide. The $12,000 in typical debt translates to a very manageable 0.43 ratio against first-year earnings, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden (meaning 95% of programs leave students with more debt).
The Ohio context is interesting: while Hocking ranks at the 60th percentile within the state, only three schools offer this program here, and all share identical median outcomes in the data. What distinguishes Hocking is that strong earnings growth—students aren't stuck at entry-level wages. For families worried about return on investment, borrowing $12,000 to earn $38,000+ within four years offers solid math, especially for a two-year program.
This is a clear value play for students interested in natural resources careers. The debt load is light enough that even the modest starting salary feels workable, and the earnings trajectory shows real career progression rather than a dead-end job. Just be aware that the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.
Where Hocking College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources management and policy associates'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 Hocking College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hocking College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all natural resources management and policy associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Natural Resources Management and Policy associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hocking College | $27,817 | $38,218 | $12,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $27,817 | — | $12,000 | 0.43 |
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 Hocking College, approximately 46% 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 72 graduates with reported earnings and 82 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.