Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's Natural Resources Conservation program starts at a concerning $26,931 in the first year—nearly $10,000 below Texas's median for this field and landing in just the 12th percentile nationally. With $24,250 in debt, new graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90, meaning they owe almost a full year's salary. While slightly more manageable than some environmental programs, this initial financial picture is tough, especially compared to stronger Texas alternatives like University of Houston-Clear Lake ($41,368) or even Texas A&M College Station ($36,266).

The saving grace here is remarkable earnings growth: salaries nearly double to $48,955 by year four, an 82% jump that suggests graduates find their footing in better-paying conservation roles or adjacent fields. This trajectory transforms the program from a bottom-quartile performer into something more competitive, though it still doesn't quite reach top Texas programs' starting salaries. For students who can weather the initial lean years—perhaps through family support or minimal living expenses—the program offers a path forward.

The real question is whether your child can afford to start this far behind. If they're passionate about conservation work and have financial cushion for those first years, UTSA provides an affordable entry point with room to grow. But families needing immediate post-graduation earnings should seriously consider stronger-performing Texas programs where graduates start $10,000+ higher right out of the gate.