Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Rhode Island

URI's natural resources conservation program graduates earn $40,067 in their first year—substantially higher than the national median of $34,000 and sitting in the 80th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful premium for students interested in environmental careers, where pay scales are notoriously modest. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $49,000, representing 22% growth that suggests career progression rather than stagnation.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $19,500, graduates carry about $4,600 less than the national median for this field and nearly $5,000 less than the typical Rhode Island environmental program. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly six months of gross earnings—a manageable burden even in a field that doesn't lead to six-figure salaries.

The main caveat is sample size. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. But the pattern is encouraging: moderate debt, above-average starting salaries for the field, and healthy earnings growth. For students genuinely committed to conservation work, this program delivers competitive preparation without the crushing debt load that sometimes accompanies environmental degrees. Just recognize you're choosing impact over income—even the strong four-year mark of $49,000 won't compete with engineering or business majors.