Natural Resources and Conservation Colleges Under $20,000

Natural resources conservation programs show dramatic cost differences, with Marshall University charging just $8,327 while UC Berkeley costs $14,979 for similar career preparation. Federal land management agencies employ thousands of conservation specialists across western states, creating steady demand for graduates. The University of Washington leads with an 83.7% graduation rate, while several SUNY campuses offer strong programs under $19,000. Alaska Fairbanks provides unique Arctic ecosystem training at $9,634, positioning graduates for specialized roles in climate research and northern resource management.

Programs

$8,327 – $18,730

Net Price Range

$27,280

Avg. Program Earnings

59.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Natural Resources and Conservation, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia	$8,327	$8,942	48.7%	96.9%
2	University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	$9,634	$8,640	36.7%
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
5	Lindsey Wilson College Columbia, Kentucky	$13,811	$27,274	38.1%
6	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
7	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
8	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
9	SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, New York	$15,001	$8,689	44.1%	94.9%
10	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
11	SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, New York	$17,393	$8,769	31.9%	87.2%
12	Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas	$17,883	$10,942	70.5%	95.1%
13	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York	$18,730	$9,206	69.9%	69.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for UC Berkeley's 92.9% graduation rate in natural resources programs?

Berkeley combines rigorous academics with extensive research opportunities in California's varied ecosystems. The program costs $14,979 but delivers strong outcomes through field stations, faculty expertise, and connections to state environmental agencies.

How do SUNY environmental programs compare in value?

Three SUNY schools offer natural resources training under $19,000, with Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse leading at 69.9% graduation rate. Canton and Morrisville focus more on applied technology, showing lower completion rates but strong job placement in forestry and conservation fields.

Is University of Alaska Fairbanks worth considering despite its 36.7% graduation rate?

Fairbanks offers unparalleled access to boreal forest and Arctic research at just $9,634 annually. The challenging environment mirrors real conservation work conditions, and graduates often secure positions with federal agencies managing northern territories.

Where do natural resources graduates typically find employment after earning $27,280 starting salaries?

Most begin careers with state parks, federal land agencies, or environmental consulting firms. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and state wildlife departments actively recruit conservation graduates for field technician and specialist positions across the western United States.

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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.