Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree) at Villanova University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$56,549

95th percentile

Est. Median Debt

$26,899

Est. from PA median (8 programs)

Analysis

Villanova's Natural Resources Conservation program stands out with first-year earnings of $56,549—significantly higher than any other program in Pennsylvania with reported data and well above the national median of $34,000. While the debt figure is estimated from similar private programs in Pennsylvania, that $26,900 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, meaning graduates could theoretically repay their loans in six months of gross earnings.

The earnings premium here is striking. Comparable programs at other selective Pennsylvania schools like Bucknell ($46,700) and Franklin & Marshall ($36,500) produce notably lower outcomes, suggesting Villanova may offer unusually strong career placement or alumni networks in this field. The 12% Pell grant rate indicates this cohort skews affluent, which could influence career choices and outcomes, but the absolute earnings number remains impressive regardless.

The caveat is data suppression due to small sample size—this program likely graduates very few students annually, making the earnings figure potentially volatile year-to-year. A few graduates landing high-paying positions could skew the median considerably. Still, for a family comfortable with the estimated debt load and confident their student will actively leverage Villanova's resources, this appears to be one of the stronger environmental programs in the state based on available evidence.

Where Villanova University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all natural resources conservation and research bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Villanova University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Natural Resources Conservation and Research bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Villanova UniversityVillanova	$64,701	$56,549	—	$26,899*	—
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg	$64,772	$46,698	$63,177	$26,798*	0.57
Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztown	$11,230	$40,477	$45,019	$26,250*	0.65
Delaware Valley UniversityDoylestown	$43,300	$39,903	—	$27,000*	0.68
Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg	$13,544	$39,068	$51,541	$24,125*	0.62
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster	$68,380	$36,536	—	$22,888*	0.63
National Median	—	$33,988	—	$23,010*	0.68

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with natural resources conservation and research graduates

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Villanova University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.