Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno graduates in Natural Resources Conservation start at $36,481—slightly above the national median—but what stands out is the 28% earnings jump to $46,534 by year four. That's meaningful upward mobility in a field where many programs plateau early. At $14,000 in debt, graduates carry roughly 40% less than the typical student in this major nationwide, creating a remarkably manageable financial starting point.

The tradeoff here is the modest initial salary. While $36,481 feels tight for an early career in Reno, where cost of living runs close to national averages, the combination of low debt and steady earnings growth tilts the math favorably. By year four, graduates are earning nearly $13,000 more than the national median for this field. Among Nevada's limited options for this degree—just three schools offer it statewide—UNR sits at the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it's competitive within the state while keeping debt exceptionally low.

For a student genuinely committed to conservation work, this program delivers reasonable outcomes without the debt burden that plagues many environmental science majors. The moderate sample size suggests steady but not huge cohorts, which could mean more personalized attention. The key question is whether your child can handle a few lean years early on, knowing the trajectory improves and the debt won't compound their challenges.