Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Maine

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,297

76th percentile

60th percentile in Maine

Median Debt

$26,500

15% above national median

Analysis

University of Maine charges $3,000 more in student debt than the national median for natural resources programs, yet delivers graduates who earn $5,300 above the national benchmark—a tradeoff that actually works in students' favor. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, graduates here carry manageable debt relative to their first-year income, especially compared to programs where borrowers face ratios exceeding 1.0. The $39,297 starting salary places this program ahead of 76% of similar programs nationwide.

Within Maine, UMaine holds its own against more selective institutions. It essentially matches Bates College's outcomes at $39,297 versus $38,437, despite Bates' 14% admission rate compared to UMaine's 96% open-door policy. The university outearns every other in-state natural resources program except Bates by several thousand dollars. That said, debt levels are uniform across Maine programs at $26,500, so the earnings advantage is where UMaine distinguishes itself.

For families considering natural resources conservation, UMaine offers something increasingly rare: better-than-average outcomes at a public university price point. The debt burden is real but proportional to earning potential, and graduates enter the workforce earning more than three-quarters of their peers nationally. This is a solid return for students genuinely committed to conservation careers.

Where University of Maine Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maine graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of MaineOrono	$12,606	$39,297	—	$26,500	0.67
Bates CollegeLewiston	$63,478	$38,437	$47,210	$9,614	0.25
University of Southern MainePortland	$10,920	$34,465	—	$26,513	0.77
University of New EnglandBiddeford	$42,550	$34,434	$46,507	$27,000	0.78
Colby CollegeWaterville	$66,600	$28,216	$44,699	$19,313	0.68
National Median	—	$33,988	—	$23,010	0.68

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 Maine, approximately 22% 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 47 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.