Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $44,236 | $51,113 | $25,370 | 0.57 |
| University of Denver | $39,017 | — | $25,899 | 0.66 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $34,346 | $40,969 | $15,140 | 0.44 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $30,747 | $48,881 | $21,000 | 0.68 |
| Western Colorado University | $26,123 | $31,313 | $21,612 | 0.83 |
| Fort Lewis College | $22,541 | $34,200 | $21,477 | 0.95 |
| National Median | $33,988 | — | $23,010 | 0.68 |
Other Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver Denver | $59,340 | $39,017 | $25,899 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins | $12,896 | $34,346 | $15,140 |
| University of Colorado Boulder Boulder | $16,430 | $30,747 | $21,000 |
| Western Colorado University Gunnison | $11,083 | $26,123 | $21,612 |
| Fort Lewis College Durango | $9,670 | $22,541 | $21,477 |
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.