Natural Resources Conservation and Research at The University of the South

Starting at $35,204 puts this natural resources program slightly above the Tennessee median of $31,696, though the estimated $24,273 in debt—derived from Sewanee's broader institutional pattern—means graduates likely carry more than the state's typical $20,500. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it does mean spending about eight months of gross income on loan repayment, which matters when you're trying to start a career in conservation work that rarely offers high starting salaries.

The encouraging part is the 51% earnings jump to $53,237 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing in this field faster than many conservation programs nationally. That trajectory helps offset the modest start, though it's worth noting we're working with estimates for both debt and growth patterns based on comparable programs rather than confirmed outcomes from Sewanee specifically. The school's selectivity and small Pell population hint at strong alumni networks that might explain the above-average performance relative to Tennessee peers.

For families considering this path: the numbers suggest reasonable value if your child is committed to environmental work and can manage the debt load through those crucial early years when salaries are modest. The growth trajectory matters more here than the starting point, but you're betting on estimated figures rather than proven outcomes from this specific program.