Location: Denver, CO•In-State Tuition: $10,780•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,503•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1014
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,236
95th percentile
80th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$25,370
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.57 ManageableSample: 51 graduates

Analysis

Metropolitan State University of Denver's Natural Resources Conservation program punches well above its weight. Despite being an open-admission institution serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, graduates earn $44,236 in their first year—$13,000 more than the state median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally among similar programs. Only the University of Denver produces higher-earning graduates in this field across Colorado, and that comes at a substantially higher price tag.

The debt picture reinforces this program's accessibility. At $25,370, graduates carry slightly more debt than the state median but still maintain a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio. More importantly, earnings grow steadily to $51,113 by year four—a 16% increase that suggests graduates are building viable careers in conservation work. For families concerned about both affordability and outcomes, this combination is hard to beat.

This is a clear win for students interested in natural resources who want to stay in Colorado. The program delivers top-tier earning potential without the competitive admissions or debt loads of flagship universities. If your child is committed to conservation work and values practical career preparation, MSU Denver offers exceptional value in this field.

Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands

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

Metropolitan State University of DenverOther natural resources conservation and research programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Metropolitan State University of Denver$44,236$51,113+16%
University of Colorado Boulder$30,747$48,881+59%
Colorado State University-Fort Collins$34,346$40,969+19%
Fort Lewis College$22,541$34,200+52%
Western Colorado University$26,123$31,313+20%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$44,236$51,113$25,3700.57
University of DenverDenver$59,340$39,017—$25,8990.66
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins$12,896$34,346$40,969$15,1400.44
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$30,747$48,881$21,0000.68
Western Colorado UniversityGunnison$11,083$26,123$31,313$21,6120.83
Fort Lewis CollegeDurango$9,670$22,541$34,200$21,4770.95
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 Metropolitan State University of Denver, approximately 35% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.