Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan's conservation program starts with first-year earnings nearly $8,000 below the national median—landing in just the 5th percentile nationally—but shows impressive recovery with 41% earnings growth by year four. That trajectory brings graduates to $36,955, which finally edges above both Michigan's state median and the national average. Among Michigan's 23 conservation programs, this ranks in the 25th percentile, notably behind Michigan State ($37,170) and Eastern Michigan ($35,656).

The $24,250 debt load sits right at typical levels for this field, creating a manageable 0.92 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as earnings climb. The real question is whether families can weather those first few years when graduates earn barely above minimum wage. For students committed to conservation work—a field known for lower starting salaries at nonprofits and government agencies—this pattern isn't unusual, but it requires realistic financial planning for that initial period.

If your student is passionate about natural resources and prepared for modest early-career earnings, this program delivers reasonable long-term outcomes at a fair price. However, if higher starting salary is a priority, Michigan State's program offers $11,000 more in year-one earnings for likely similar debt levels.