Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

UW Tacoma's conservation program outperforms 60% of Washington programs while keeping debt 15% below the state median—a meaningful combination for a field not known for high starting salaries. Graduates begin at $35,867, which feels modest at first glance but actually beats most in-state competitors and sits comfortably above both state and national medians. More importantly, earnings jump 37% by year four to $49,044, suggesting graduates successfully transition into mid-level conservation roles.

The debt picture strengthens this case. At $17,184, borrowers owe substantially less than the $23,010 national median while earning more than typical graduates in this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means manageable payments even during that challenging first year. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, the campus clearly serves working families who need education to deliver tangible economic mobility.

For families weighing environmental science pathways, this program represents solid value—better outcomes than most Washington alternatives without the premium price tag often associated with the flagship Seattle campus. The strong sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't fluky numbers.