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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Florida

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New College of Florida stands out with the lowest net price at $4,536, making Natural Resources Conservation accessible to students with tight budgets. The earnings picture tells a different story across Florida's 15 programs, with University of West Florida graduates earning $34,526 annually while Eckerd College graduates average just $20,322. This wide salary range reflects Florida's varied environmental job market, from Everglades restoration projects to marine research along 1,350 miles of coastline. Public universities dominate the value equation, with most charging under $11,000 net price while private schools like Rollins College reach $33,847. Florida's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their paychecks compared to other states. The University of Florida combines strong outcomes with reasonable costs at $6,351 net price, though its 23% acceptance rate makes admission competitive. Students planning careers in Florida's growing environmental consulting sector or state park system will find these programs align well with regional employment opportunities.
26
Programs
$4,536 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$27,950
Avg. Program Earnings
62.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $28,598 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $8,155 $34,526 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
3 $10,043 $32,284 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
4 $10,319 $29,250 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
5 $10,997 $27,319 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
6 $9,133 $20,530 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $33,847 $30,771 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
8 $33,011 $20,322 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
9 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
10 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
11 $27,704 $20,768 57.8% 70.4%
12 $4,536 $6,916 61.8% 75.4%
13 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
14 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
15 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
16 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
17 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
18 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
19 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
20 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
21 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
22 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
23 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
24 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
25 $20,077 $2,830 36.1%
26 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,204 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

University of West Florida graduates earn $34,526 while Eckerd College graduates average $20,322, creating a significant earnings difference. This gap often reflects different career paths, with some graduates entering higher-paying consulting roles while others work for nonprofits or government agencies. Geographic location within Florida also affects salaries, as environmental positions in major metropolitan areas typically pay more than rural conservation jobs.

How does New College of Florida achieve such a low $4,536 net price?

New College benefits from strong state funding and financial aid packages that reduce costs for most students. The school's unique approach attracts students who qualify for need-based aid, bringing down the average net price significantly. However, the 61.8% graduation rate suggests some students face challenges completing their degrees, which prospective students should consider alongside the low cost.

Is the University of Florida worth its competitive 23% acceptance rate for this major?

With a 91.5% graduation rate and moderate debt load of $20,200, UF delivers strong outcomes despite selectivity. The $28,598 average earnings fall in the middle range for Florida programs, but graduates benefit from UF's extensive alumni network and research opportunities. The relatively low $6,351 net price makes it an excellent value for students who gain admission.

Does attending a private college guarantee higher earnings in this field?

Private schools show mixed results, with University of West Florida public graduates earning $34,526 compared to Rollins College private graduates at $30,771. Eckerd College graduates earn just $20,322 despite the school's $33,011 net price, demonstrating that private education doesn't ensure higher salaries. The relationship between cost and earnings varies significantly across individual programs rather than following public versus private lines.

Where do most Natural Resources Conservation graduates find employment in Florida?

Florida's environmental sector includes state agencies managing Everglades restoration, marine research institutions along both coasts, and consulting firms serving the tourism industry. The aerospace industry at Kennedy Space Center also employs environmental specialists for launch site management. Many graduates work for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, or national parks like the Everglades, where starting salaries typically align with the $20,000 to $35,000 range seen across these programs.

More Natural Resources Conservation and Research Rankings

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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.