Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Puget Sound

A first-year salary of $23,437 after graduation from University of Puget Sound's natural resources program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better initial earnings. The debt load of $24,623 actually exceeds that first year's income, creating immediate financial strain that's particularly troubling given the moderate sample size confirms this isn't a data fluke.

The Washington state comparison makes the situation starker. While this program sits at the 25th percentile statewide, graduates from Eastern Washington University in the same field earn $39,671—nearly 70% more in their first year out. Even the state median of $33,383 represents $10,000 more in annual earnings, a significant gap when you're carrying debt that already matches your entire salary. The University of Washington system consistently delivers $35,000+ starting salaries in this field, making the private school premium at Puget Sound difficult to justify on financial grounds alone.

For a family considering a $100,000+ investment in a private liberal arts education (tuition runs over $60,000 annually), these outcomes demand serious conversation. If your student is passionate about conservation work, Washington's public universities offer substantially better earning potential in the same field with lower debt loads. This program might make sense for students with significant financial aid or family resources, but for those taking on debt, the math simply doesn't work.