Natural Resources Management and Policy (Associate's Degree) at Hocking College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$27,817

95th percentile

Median Debt

$12,000

At national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Hocking College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Natural Resources Management and Policy associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Hocking CollegeNelsonville	$5,300	$27,817	$38,218	$12,000	0.43
National Median	—	$27,817	—	$12,000	0.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with natural resources management and policy graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

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:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

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

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

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

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

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.