Best Schools for Natural Resources Management and Policy

Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn a median of $35,215 within two years of graduation, ranking #158 out of 292 tracked majors — 1% below the median across all fields. There are 34 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 1,222 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $58,673 while University of Georgia graduates earn $19,592 — a $39,081 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates see an average 5% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

34
Schools
$35,215
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#158
of 292 Majors
1,222
Graduates

Public vs Private: Natural Resources Management and Policy

Public (27 schools)
$34,915
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (6 schools)
$35,811
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $896 more in early earnings on average for Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Natural Resources Management and Policy by State

Top Natural Resources Management and Policy Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
C

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

$58,673
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.2%
#2
U

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Durham, NH · Public

$44,933
2yr Earnings
1yr: $40,705
Grads: 38
Acceptance: 86.9%
#3
U

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public

$44,933
2yr Earnings
1yr: $41,342
Grads: 34
Acceptance: 77.1%
#4
C

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$44,384
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 91.0%
#5
B

Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, OH · Private

$44,384
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 76.8%
#6
C

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public

$42,712
2yr Earnings
1yr: $41,104
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 93.1%
#7
M

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public

$42,402
2yr Earnings
1yr: $46,567
Grads: 22
Acceptance: 99.1%
#8
M

Marist University

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private

$41,565
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 64.7%
#9
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$40,281
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,009
Grads: 49
Acceptance: 29.8%
#10
S

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL ·

$39,741
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#11
C

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public

$39,153
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 89.6%
#12
T

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr: $36,583
Grads: 23
Acceptance: 89.5%
#13
U

Unity Environmental University

New Gloucester, ME · Private

$36,668
2yr Earnings
1yr: $32,677
Grads: 51
Acceptance: 81.8%
#14
S

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Syracuse, NY · Public

$36,131
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,553
Grads: 46
Acceptance: 82.9%
#15
N

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public

$35,954
2yr Earnings
1yr: $38,378
Grads: 18
Acceptance: 95.8%
#16
G

Glenville State University

Glenville, WV · Public

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,469
Grads: 36
Acceptance: N/A
#17
C

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 55.6%
#18
T

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr: $21,990
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 63.2%
#19
W

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr: $33,891
Grads: 22
Acceptance: 86.7%
#20
T

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr: $30,674
Grads: 35
Acceptance: 94.2%
#21
P

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private

$31,996
2yr Earnings
1yr: $30,327
Grads: 39
Acceptance: 90.7%
#22
U

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI · Public

$31,640
2yr Earnings
1yr: $32,505
Grads: 167
Acceptance: 90.1%
#23
T

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public

$31,314
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,319
Grads: 41
Acceptance: 87.3%
#24
U

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public

$31,038
2yr Earnings
1yr: $27,178
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 69.7%
#25
O

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

$30,499
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,321
Grads: 145
Acceptance: 78.8%
#26
O

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public

$30,499
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,321
Grads: 145
Acceptance: 68.4%
#27
K

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

$30,409
2yr Earnings
1yr: $34,223
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 79.4%
#28
C

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public

$29,374
2yr Earnings
1yr: $25,243
Grads: 36
Acceptance: 98.8%
#29
O

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

$29,141
2yr Earnings
1yr: $30,737
Grads: 81
Acceptance: 50.8%
#30
B

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH · Public

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr: $29,558
Grads: 29
Acceptance: 80.6%
#31
U

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL · Private

$25,194
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 18.5%
#32
F

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public

$24,421
2yr Earnings
1yr: $23,319
Grads: 23
Acceptance: 76.8%
#33
L

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA · Public

$23,803
2yr Earnings
1yr: $26,922
Grads: 50
Acceptance: 74.0%
#34
U

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public

$19,592
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 37.2%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Natural Resources Management and Policy?
California State University-Bakersfield ranks #1 for Natural Resources Management and Policy with median graduate earnings of $58,673 within two years. There are 34 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn?
Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn an average of $35,215 within two years of graduation. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $19,592 to $58,673 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Natural Resources Management and Policy program?
The average acceptance rate across Natural Resources Management and Policy programs is 76.5%. The most selective program is at University of Miami with a 18.5% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Natural Resources Management and Policy?
Private Natural Resources Management and Policy programs average $35,811 in early earnings vs $34,915 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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