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Ecology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks stands out among affordable ecology programs with its unique $7,669 net price despite being a private institution, competing directly with public universities that typically dominate this field. Ohio University regional campuses offer the lowest costs nationally, with net prices starting at $4,503, though graduation rates hover between 12% and 20% across their satellite locations. California State University campuses provide a middle ground at around $7,000 annually while maintaining stronger completion rates above 50%. The field connects directly to growing environmental consulting firms, state wildlife agencies, and research institutions across the country, with graduates earning between $20,140 and $29,685 annually. Regional public universities often house field stations and research partnerships that give students hands-on experience with local ecosystems, from desert environments in New Mexico to coastal habitats in Alaska. These programs prepare students for careers in conservation biology, environmental monitoring, and population management roles that are increasingly important as climate change impacts wildlife habitats nationwide.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $13,816
Net Price Range
$25,688
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
5 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
6 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
7 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
8 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
9 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
10 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
11 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
12 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
13 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
14 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
15 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
16 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
17 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
18 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
19 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
20 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
21 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
22 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
23 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
24 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
25 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
26 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
27 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
28 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
29 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
30 $11,811 $3,600 32.4%
31 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
32 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
33 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
34 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
35 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
36 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
37 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
38 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
39 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
40 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
41 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
42 $13,347 $8,122 48.6% 85.5%
43 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
44 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
45 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
46 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
47 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
48 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
49 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
50 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the massive cost differences between similar ecology programs?

Ohio University regional campuses offer net prices as low as $4,503 while California State University programs cost around $7,000 annually. The Ohio campuses operate as smaller satellite locations with limited research facilities, explaining their lower costs but also their graduation rates below 20%. California schools maintain larger faculty, more lab equipment, and field research opportunities that justify the higher investment while producing graduation rates above 50%.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable ecology programs?

Graduation rates span from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 69.2% at California State University-Fullerton, showing dramatic differences in student success. Ohio regional campuses consistently show rates below 25%, while established universities like Cal State Northridge and University of West Florida maintain rates above 55%. College of the Ozarks achieves 61.3% completion despite serving students who work campus jobs to pay tuition.

Is the earning potential worth the investment in these affordable programs?

Graduates typically earn $20,140 to $29,685 annually, with California State University-Northridge graduates reaching the higher end at $29,685. Given net program costs between $4,503 and $9,837, most students can expect to recover their investment within two years of graduation. The field offers steady employment in government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions that value the quantitative skills these programs develop.

Does geographic location affect program quality and opportunities?

Programs in different regions offer access to distinct ecosystems and research opportunities, from Alaska's marine environments to Texas border ecology. California schools benefit from proximity to major research institutions and environmental consulting firms, while Ohio campuses serve primarily local students with limited research infrastructure. Schools like University of West Florida and New Mexico State provide strong regional job connections despite lower national rankings.

Where can students find the best value among these programs?

California State University-Fullerton offers strong value with $5,646 net cost, 69.2% graduation rate, and strong alumni networks in environmental fields. University of West Florida provides similar quality at $8,155 with 61.8% completion rate and proximity to Gulf Coast research opportunities. College of the Ozarks delivers unique value for students willing to work on campus, combining affordable education with character development programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.