Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Dayton

In Ohio, Natural Resources Conservation programs show a fairly tight cluster of outcomes, with peer institutions suggesting first-year earnings around $34,700—essentially matching the national median for this field. University of Dayton's estimated debt load of $24,300 sits slightly above both state and national benchmarks, though it's worth noting this figure comes from the university's broader borrowing patterns rather than this specific program's graduates.

The estimated 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a practical story: graduates would owe roughly $291 monthly on a standard 10-year federal loan—about 8-10% of their projected monthly gross income. That's manageable territory, though Ohio State's reported outcomes of $39,500 suggest some programs in the state produce notably stronger early earnings. The modest selectivity and stronger academic profile at Dayton (SAT 1313) might offer networking or credential advantages that small-sample programs sometimes don't capture in available data, but that remains speculative without actual graduate outcomes.

The reality is that conservation and environmental work often involves entry-level field positions or temporary contracts that explain the modest starting salaries statewide. If your child is passionate about this path, the estimated debt burden won't trap them, but they shouldn't expect rapid loan payoff either. The lack of reported data for this specific program means you're investing based on broader patterns rather than Dayton's proven track record in placing conservation graduates.