Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn $56,185 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,328 and $74,677. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
About Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy is a focused area of study within Natural Resources. Graduates typically earn around $56,185 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 185 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,147 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$37,946
Median Earnings · 4yr
$56,185
Colleges Offering
185
Graduates / Year
3,147
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,891
How Much Do Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Graduates Earn?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn $56,185 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,328 and $74,677. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $37,946 climbs to $56,185 by year four.
$37,946
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$56,185
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$53,620
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$41,32825th pct.
$56,185Median
$74,67775th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $56,185 and an estimated $83,564 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.2 years.
Based on outcomes from 99 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 3,147 students who complete Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs each year, the majority (47%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
47%35%
Bachelor's47%
Master's35%
Post-Bacc Cert.10%
What Can You Do With an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Economist leads at $124,720/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
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.
Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
Top Colleges for Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Natural Resources Programs
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy is one of 6 specializations within Natural Resources. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy shows 4 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $56,185 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $37,946 at graduation to $56,185 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +7.7% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 57,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn a national median of $56,185 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,328 and $74,677. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
One year after graduation, Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree holders earn a median of $37,946. That climbs to $56,185 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree holders pursue careers including Economist, which pays a median of $124,720/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy program take?
A Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy?
185 colleges and universities in the United States offer Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $56,185 and an average net price of roughly $20,891/yr, a Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy and Natural Resources?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy is a focused concentration within the broader Natural Resources field. The Natural Resources major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates?
Employers hiring Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates?
The job outlook for Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Entertainment and Recreation Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +7.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Natural Resources Programs
Other programs in Natural Resources. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
The real cost of a second major, when it pays back and when it doesn't, and why a focused single major with a relevant minor often beats a double major.
Why the 10-year job-growth outlook often matters more than today's salary, what the BLS projections measure, and how to use them to weigh the future of a field, not just its present.
Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
Major earnings
Highest paying majors
Job growth
STEM
Field of study
Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
Engineering tech
Engineering
Program earnings
Applied degree
Technician careers
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
STEM earnings
Engineering pay
Computer science
Program earnings
Major choice
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.