Location: Middlebury, VT•In-State Tuition: $65,280•Admission Rate: 10%•Avg SAT: 1500
2026 ROI Award Winner
#3 Natural Resources & Conservation#6 in Vermont
Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,758
95th percentile
80th percentile in Vermont
Median Debt
$13,000
44% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.28 ManageableSample: 30 graduates

Analysis

Middlebury graduates in this environmental field earn nearly $10,000 more than the Vermont median and $13,000 above the national average—impressive margins that place them in the 95th percentile nationally. With just $13,000 in median debt (less than half the national figure), the program delivers a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates carry debt equal to roughly three months' salary. This is exceptional for a conservation field that typically doesn't command high starting salaries.

The state comparison is telling: Middlebury's graduates outearn those from Vermont State University and substantially exceed earnings at UVM's larger program. For Vermont residents weighing in-state options, Middlebury's premium outcomes justify consideration despite higher sticker prices—particularly given how Middlebury's financial aid often brings net costs down for admitted students.

The moderate sample size suggests a focused program, and some graduates may pursue graduate school or seasonal field positions that temporarily depress first-year earnings. Still, for families who can navigate Middlebury's selective admissions (10% acceptance rate), this represents one of the strongest environmental conservation programs in the region. The combination of low debt and above-average earnings creates genuine financial flexibility for graduates entering a notoriously underpaid sector.

Where Middlebury College Stands

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

Middlebury CollegeOther natural resources conservation and research programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Middlebury College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Middlebury College earns $47k — 95th percentile among natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Vermont

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Vermont (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury$65,280$46,758—$13,0000.28
Vermont State UniversityRandolph$11,400$39,997———
Saint Michael's CollegeColchester$50,040$33,658$37,716$26,9800.80
University of VermontBurlington$18,890$26,871$44,131$21,6320.81
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 Middlebury College, approximately 17% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.