Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Starting at $28,188, UTC's Natural Resources Conservation program lands graduates well below both the national median ($33,988) and Tennessee's state median ($31,696)—ranking in just the 18th percentile nationally. That first-year figure is barely above poverty-wage territory for a bachelor's degree holder. However, the trajectory tells a more optimistic story: earnings jump 34% to $37,770 by year four, ultimately surpassing national benchmarks. The $20,500 debt load is manageable and lower than the national median, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio that improves substantially as salaries climb.

The real question is whether your family can weather those lean early years. Graduates are likely taking entry-level field positions or seasonal work that pays modestly but builds toward better opportunities. Among Tennessee's 11 programs, UTC sits right at the median for both earnings and debt—middle-of-the-pack performance in a state where even the top program (University of the South at $35,204) doesn't command premium salaries. This is a field where passion matters more than paychecks.

If your child is committed to conservation work and understands they'll need financial support or side income early on, the program's trajectory and modest debt make it workable. But if they're uncertain about the field or need immediate earning power after graduation, that $28,000 starting salary demands a serious conversation about alternatives.