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Natural Resources Management and Policy Colleges Under $20,000

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

St Petersburg College stands out with a remarkable negative net cost of $52, meaning students actually receive more financial aid than tuition expenses. This Florida community college anchors a list where costs range dramatically to $12,997 at West Virginia University. Natural Resources Management graduates enter a field where federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service employ thousands across western states, creating steady career pathways. California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $58,673 annually, nearly double the field's lower range of $24,421 at Florida Gulf Coast University. The 20 most affordable programs span from community colleges offering associate degrees to full universities with full bachelor's programs. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Sul Ross State's 27.4% to West Virginia University's 61.2%. Most programs maintain high acceptance rates above 80%, reflecting the field's need for trained professionals to manage America's public lands and water resources.
50
Programs
$-52 – $18,508
Net Price Range
$35,189
Avg. Program Earnings
55.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Natural Resources Management and Policy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $2,915 $3,100 56.6%
3 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
4 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
5 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
6 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
7 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
8 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
9 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
10 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
11 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
12 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
13 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
14 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
15 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
16 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
17 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
18 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
19 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
20 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
21 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
22 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
23 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
24 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
25 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
26 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
27 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
28 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
29 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
30 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
31 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
32 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
33 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
34 $16,358 $9,412 35.5%
35 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
36 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
37 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
38 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
39 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
40 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
41 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
42 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
43 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
44 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
45 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
46 $18,217 $12,640 57.0% 94.3%
47 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
48 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
49 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
50 $18,508 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $58,673 compared to just $24,421 at Florida Gulf Coast University. Geographic location drives much of this difference, with California's higher cost of living and stronger environmental regulations creating more high-paying positions. Program focus also matters, as some schools emphasize policy and management roles that typically pay more than field-based positions. The type of degree also influences earnings potential significantly.

How do community colleges compare to four-year universities in this field?

St Petersburg College offers the lowest net cost at negative $52, while Florida Gateway College costs just $2,915 annually. These community colleges typically provide associate degrees or certificates that prepare students for entry-level technician roles. Four-year programs like Utah State University at $12,869 offer bachelor's degrees leading to management positions. Community college graduates often transfer to complete bachelor's degrees after establishing career foundations.

Is the low graduation rate at some schools a concern?

Sul Ross State University's 27.4% graduation rate contrasts sharply with West Virginia University's 61.2%. Several factors explain these differences, including student preparation levels and whether schools serve primarily transfer students. Some students leave early for job opportunities in natural resources, which doesn't count as graduation. Schools with higher costs often have better retention support services that improve completion rates.

What makes Western states dominate affordable natural resources programs?

Seven of the 15 schools operate in western states where public land management creates substantial employment opportunities. Federal agencies manage over 640 million acres nationally, with most concentrated in western regions. State governments in these areas also invest heavily in natural resources education to meet workforce demands. The proximity to national forests, parks, and Bureau of Land Management areas provides hands-on learning opportunities that improve program quality.

Does student debt correlate with earnings potential in these programs?

California State University-Channel Islands graduates carry $19,209 in debt but earn $42,712 annually, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. University of Tennessee-Martin students graduate with $22,997 in debt but earn only $31,314, making repayment more challenging. West Virginia University graduates have $22,239 in debt with no reported earnings data. The most affordable programs often produce graduates with minimal debt loads regardless of earning potential.

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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.