Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's Natural Resources Conservation program lands in the bottom quartile among Arizona's seven schools offering this degree—a concerning position given that in-state students often choose state schools for affordability. At $38,200 four years out, graduates earn about $2,300 less than the state median and trail both ASU campuses by roughly $2,000 annually. The program does undercut Arizona State on debt by about $600, but that modest savings doesn't offset the earnings gap.

The 23% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests careers do gain traction, and the debt load of $21,333 is manageable at less than seven months of starting salary. However, the broader context matters: these outcomes place NAU below the national median as well, even though conservation work typically offers similar pay ranges nationwide. With robust data from 100+ graduates, these figures reflect a reliable pattern rather than statistical noise.

For families evaluating this program, the question becomes whether NAU's location advantages—access to national forests, Grand Canyon connections, and Flagstaff's outdoor industry—justify the earnings discount. If your student plans to work in Arizona's conservation sector, they'll be entering with lower earnings potential than peers from ASU or U of A. Unless campus fit or specific faculty connections make NAU the clear choice, Arizona State's program delivers better financial outcomes at a similar debt level.