Natural Resources Management and Policy at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Based on comparable programs nationally, Metropolitan State's Natural Resources Management degree suggests a first-year salary around $38,000—modest but manageable given the estimated $23,250 in debt. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds, and by year four, graduates typically reach $55,000. For students interested in conservation, land management, or environmental policy work, these numbers reflect the reality of a field where passion often matters more than peak earning potential.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here. With only two schools offering this degree in Colorado and no reported data from either, parents should recognize they're making decisions on incomplete information. Natural resources careers can vary dramatically—a Forest Service position pays differently than nonprofit conservation work or corporate environmental compliance. The fourth-year earnings jump of nearly $17,000 suggests graduates find their footing after entry-level roles, but individual outcomes will depend heavily on specific career paths and whether students pursue federal or state employment.

For families considering this program, the accessible admission (99% acceptance rate) and moderate debt load are positives. But the lack of actual graduate outcomes from Metropolitan State itself means you're betting on whether their program prepares students as well as the national average. If your child has genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and understands the financial trade-offs of public-interest work, the estimated numbers aren't prohibitive—just don't expect rapid salary growth or easy loan payoff.