Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming's Natural Resources Conservation program starts graduates at $32,362—slightly below the national median—but the trajectory tells a more compelling story. Four years out, earnings jump 41% to $45,685, pushing graduates well beyond typical outcomes for this field. The $18,250 debt load is notably lower than the national median of $23,010, making the initial modest salary more manageable than it appears at first glance.

As Wyoming's only provider of this bachelor's degree, direct state comparisons aren't available, but the program's strong earnings growth suggests it's effectively preparing students for career advancement in natural resource management. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates face less than seven months of their first-year salary in loans—a comfortable starting point that improves significantly as earnings climb.

The real value here is momentum. While peers at other programs might see their earnings plateau, Wyoming graduates appear to be moving into more senior roles or specialized positions relatively quickly. For a family concerned about launching a career in conservation or environmental management—especially in the Mountain West region—this combination of affordable debt and solid earnings growth makes a stronger case than the middling national ranking suggests.