Location: New Brunswick, NJ•In-State Tuition: $17,239•Out-of-State Tuition: $36,001•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1383
Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,223
93rd percentile
60th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$25,706
12% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.59 ManageableSample: 75 graduates

Analysis

Rutgers-New Brunswick's Natural Resources Conservation program outperforms 93% of similar programs nationally—a standout result that places graduates well ahead of typical outcomes in this field. With first-year earnings of $43,223 jumping to $57,743 by year four, the 34% earnings growth demonstrates real career momentum in a field where many programs struggle to reach even $34,000 initially. The $25,706 median debt sits at just 59% of first-year earnings, creating a manageable starting point that improves rapidly as salaries climb.

The state-level picture adds nuance: while Rutgers ties for the highest starting salary among New Jersey's conservation programs, it ranks at the 60th percentile statewide. This isn't cause for concern—it simply reflects that New Jersey hosts several strong programs in this field, and Rutgers competes at the top tier. The debt load is nearly identical to the state median, meaning students aren't paying a premium for access to this stronger earning trajectory.

For families weighing environmental career paths, this program delivers both immediate value and growth potential. The combination of above-national earnings, reasonable debt, and strong upward mobility makes it one of the safer bets in conservation education. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts rather than outlier results.

Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands

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

Rutgers University-New BrunswickOther natural resources conservation and research programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rutgers University-New Brunswick earns $43k — 93th percentile among natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$43,223$57,743+34%
Rutgers University-Newark$43,223$57,743+34%
William Paterson University of New Jersey$40,613$55,279+36%
Rowan University$29,306$53,125+81%
Ramapo College of New Jersey$22,629$44,165+95%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$43,223$57,743$25,7060.59
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark$16,586$43,223$57,743$25,7060.59
William Paterson University of New JerseyWayne$15,150$40,613$55,279——
Stockton UniversityGalloway$15,532$33,224$39,765$23,2810.70
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$29,306$53,125$23,8750.81
Ramapo College of New JerseyMahwah$15,978$22,629$44,165$18,2740.81
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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick, approximately 27% 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 75 graduates with reported earnings and 88 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.