Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Salisbury University

Salisbury University's Natural Resources Conservation program starts its graduates at just $28,026—about $8,000 below the Maryland median for this field and in the bottom quarter of state programs. For context, University of Maryland-College Park graduates in the same program earn nearly 50% more right out of college. The manageable $20,606 debt load helps offset the low starting salary, but this program ranks in the bottom fifth nationally for earnings outcomes.

The silver lining is clear earnings growth: salaries jump 41% by year four, reaching $39,366. This matches the growth trajectory typical of environmental careers where field experience matters more than initial credentials. However, even after four years, graduates still trail the Maryland median for first-year earnings in this field. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable but worth verifying through conversations with recent alumni.

If your child is passionate about conservation work and comfortable with a modest starting salary, the relatively low debt makes this manageable. But they should understand they're choosing a program that lags behind stronger Maryland options like UMD-College Park, where both starting salaries and career trajectories look substantially better. The 89% admission rate and below-average outcomes suggest this may not be the most selective or resourced program in the state system.