Location: Lawrence, KS•In-State Tuition: $11,700•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,412•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1186
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,374
52nd percentile
Median Debt
$19,282
16% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.56 ManageableSample: 37 graduates

Analysis

The University of Kansas's Natural Resources Conservation program presents an uncomfortable reality: despite reasonable debt levels, graduates earn notably less than their Kansas peers. First-year earnings of $34,374 fall into the 40th percentile statewide—meaning 60% of similar programs in Kansas deliver better outcomes. Kansas State University, the obvious in-state alternative, produces graduates earning $44,486, a full $10,000 more annually.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $19,282, graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the state median, resulting in a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio. Still, this lower debt doesn't offset the earnings gap. Over a decade, that $10,000 annual difference between KU and K-State could amount to over $100,000 in lost wages—far more than any debt savings.

Here's what matters: if your student is committed to natural resources conservation and staying in Kansas, this isn't the state's strongest option. The program performs adequately by national standards but falls short of what Kansas employers appear to value, based on what they're willing to pay K-State graduates. Unless KU offers specific faculty expertise, research opportunities, or scholarships that K-State doesn't, the earnings data suggests looking elsewhere. The field already pays modestly—choosing a program in the bottom half of state performers compounds that challenge.

Where University of Kansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources conservation and research bachelors's programs nationally

University of KansasOther natural resources conservation and research programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Kansas earns $34k — 52th percentile among natural resources conservation and research bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$34,374—$19,2820.56
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$44,486—$23,3220.52
National Median—$33,988—$23,0100.68

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with natural resources conservation and research graduates

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Kansas, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.