Best colleges for Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Natural Resources Conservation and Research by graduate earnings are Villanova University ($56,549), George Washington University ($51,201) and Northeastern University ($51,137), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Villanova University (Villanova, PA): $56,549, 59 graduates a year
- George Washington University (Washington, DC): $51,201, 47 graduates a year
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $51,137, 160 graduates a year
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA): $50,931, 22 graduates a year
- Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA): $49,111, 37 graduates a year
Compare 965 U.S. colleges offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 56 states.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,020 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 03.01 and the Conservation Scientists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs
The Natural Resources Conservation and Research program focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and promote the responsible use of resources. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and seeking to make a positive impact on ecosystems and communities. Students in this program will explore various aspects of natural resource management, including forestry, soil science, and environmental studies. They will learn to apply scientific principles to develop effective conservation strategies and practices, preparing them for a range of careers in environmental conservation and research.
Learn more about Natural Resources Conservation and Research →
Core coursework in the Natural Resources Conservation and Research program covers essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge in areas like biology, chemistry, and geography. Students will engage in practical learning experiences that involve soil and water management techniques, as well as advising land users on sustainable practices.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villanova University Villanova, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $56,549 | 59 | 92% | $33,774 | — |
| 2 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,201 | 47 | 84% | $29,789 | $19,500 |
| 3 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,137 | 160 | 91% | $18,925 | $23,430 |
| 4 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,931 | 22 | 74% | — | $26,000 |
| 5 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $49,111 | 37 | 91% | $21,126 | $17,200 |
| 6 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,338 | 445 | 93% | — | $12,988 |
| 7 | American University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,780 | 106 | 75% | $30,225 | $26,905 |
| 8 | Middlebury College Middlebury, VT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,758 | 84 | 91% | $20,918 | $13,000 |
| 9 | University of Redlands Redlands, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,164 | 26 | 67% | $22,706 | $26,000 |
| 10 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,215 | 34 | 65% | — | $27,000 |
| 11 | Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,236 | 25 | 32% | — | $25,370 |
| 12 | University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,124 | 26 | 37% | — | — |
| 13 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,223 | 46 | 84% | — | $25,706 |
| 14 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,038 | 73 | 68% | — | $23,021 |
| 15 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,576 | 39 | 88% | $44,094 | $23,250 |
| 16 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,057 | 61 | 75% | — | $24,125 |
| 17 | Colgate University Hamilton, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,870 | 49 | 91% | $22,903 | $17,000 |
| 18 | University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,790 | 106 | 96% | — | $13,952 |
| 19 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,621 | 131 | 95% | $17,613 | $16,500 |
| 20 | University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,547 | 75 | 49% | — | $21,386 |
| 21 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,368 | 24 | 52% | — | — |
| 22 | University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,152 | 50 | 89% | — | $19,699 |
| 23 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,477 | 24 | 54% | — | $26,250 |
| 24 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,476 | 174 | 68% | — | $21,000 |
| 25 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,067 | 49 | 73% | — | $19,500 |
Specializations within Natural Resources Conservation and Research
4 of the 4 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 03.01 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Environmental ScienceCIP 03.010410,966 graduates / yr635 institutions53 states
- Environmental StudiesCIP 03.01039,602 graduates / yr470 institutions51 states
- Natural Resources/CIP 03.0101
Conservation 3,142 graduates / yr130 institutions45 states - Natural Resources Conservation and ResearchCIP 03.0199232 graduates / yr20 institutions14 states
Offered across 56 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1031, Conservation Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Natural Resources Conservation and Research program can pursue various careers in environmental conservation, with a projected job growth rate of 3.4% and approximately 2,500 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $67,950, and a typical educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Natural Resources Conservation and Research
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 03.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 03.01 (Natural Resources Conservation and Research) maps to 8 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 13-1041 | Compliance Officers |
| 19-1031 | Conservation Scientistsprimary |
| 19-1032 | Foresters |
| 19-2041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health |
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health |
| 19-4071 | Forest and Conservation Technicians |
| 25-1043 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1053 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Natural Resources Conservation and Research 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
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Natural Resources Conservation and Research program?+
The program focuses on sustainable management and conservation of natural resources.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will gain skills in critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and practical conservation techniques.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The field has a projected growth rate of 3.4% with about 2,500 annual job openings.
What is the typical salary for graduates?+
The median wage for professionals in this field is $67,950.
How much do Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates earn?+
Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,020, College Scorecard (2019); the Conservation Scientists occupation pays about $77,130 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?+
Natural Resources Conservation and Research maps to CIP 03.01 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card