Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.9%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $55,763
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $55,348 | |
| Landscape Architecture. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Bachelor | $36,131 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $31,423 | |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | Bachelor | $22,880 | |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $19,683 |
Outcomes Overview
ESF graduates enter careers in environmental consulting, forestry management, and sustainability roles with a median debt of just $11,000. Monthly loan payments of $117 represent only 2.5% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 compares favorably to the national average of 0.30 for college graduates. Many alumni work for state environmental agencies, consulting firms like AECOM, or conservation nonprofits. The specialized degree opens doors to niche fields where environmental expertise commands premium salaries. Federal loan repayment rates reach 80.31%, indicating most graduates can manage their debt successfully. With low borrowing costs and strong job placement in growing environmental sectors, ESF delivers a strong return on investment.