Location: Manhattan, KS•In-State Tuition: $10,942•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,816•Admission Rate: 79%•Avg SAT: 1149
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,486
95th percentile
Median Debt
$23,322
1% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.52 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Kansas State's natural resources conservation program outperforms most schools nationally—placing in the 95th percentile—with first-year earnings of $44,486 compared to the national median of just $33,988. That's a $10,000+ premium over the typical graduate in this field. However, within Kansas, where there are only five programs, K-State lands at the 60th percentile, suggesting the state overall does well in this field rather than K-State being an outlier. The debt load of $23,322 is essentially average for the program nationally, yielding a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What you're seeing might reflect a particularly strong cohort or favorable hiring conditions rather than consistent outcomes. That said, the underlying fundamentals make sense: Kansas State has strong agricultural and environmental science programs in a state where natural resource management careers are relevant and available.

For a field that often struggles with low starting salaries, these earnings are genuinely impressive. If your child is passionate about conservation work and comfortable with the small program size, the financial picture looks solid—just recognize you're making this decision with limited data points.

Where Kansas State University Stands

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

Kansas State UniversityOther natural resources conservation and research programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Kansas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Kansas State University earns $44k — 95th percentile among natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$44,486—$23,3220.52
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$34,374—$19,2820.56
National Median—$33,988—$23,0100.68

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 Kansas State University, approximately 19% 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.