Best institutions to study Natural Resources and Conservation
Compare 12 U.S. colleges offering Natural Resources and Conservation by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 10 states.
Natural Resources and Conservation programs report a median of $29,139 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 03.99 and the Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC).
About Natural Resources and Conservation programs
The Natural Resources and Conservation program focuses on the management and preservation of the environment and natural resources. It is designed for students interested in understanding ecological systems, resource management, and conservation practices. This program prepares individuals to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable practices in various sectors.
Students in this program will acquire essential skills in writing, critical thinking, and active learning. Coursework typically covers topics such as forest resource policy, biology, and geography, equipping students with a well-rounded knowledge base applicable to natural resource management.
Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,705 | 7 | 71% | — | $23,979 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,139 | 54 | 86% | — | $27,000 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,139 | 4 | 34% | — | $27,000 |
Offered across 10 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansaslimited | 1 | $39,705 | Kansas State University |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $29,139 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1043, Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Natural Resources and Conservation program can expect a career outlook that is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 4% and around 100 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is approximately $100,830, with many positions requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Natural Resources and Conservation
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 03.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 03.99 (Natural Resources and Conservation, Other) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1043 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Natural Resources and Conservation programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics, such as forest resource policy, forest pathology, and mapping.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise students' laboratory or field work.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Concentrations within Natural Resources and Conservation
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Natural Resources and Conservation, OtherCIP 03.9999
Any instructional program in natural resources and conservation not listed above.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Natural Resources and Conservation program?+
The program focuses on the management and preservation of natural resources and the environment.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in writing, critical thinking, active learning, and more.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is projected to grow at about 4% with around 100 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require a doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Natural Resources and Conservation graduates earn?+
Natural Resources and Conservation graduates report median earnings of $29,139 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary occupation pays about $102,450 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Natural Resources and Conservation?+
Natural Resources and Conservation maps to CIP 03.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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