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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Illinois

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

Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates from Illinois schools face a challenging earnings reality, with post-graduation income spanning from $20,928 to $42,682 annually. Illinois Wesleyan University stands out as the clear earnings leader at $42,682, though students pay a net price of $29,550 to access this premium outcome. The state's agricultural economy and Great Lakes ecosystem create steady demand for conservation professionals, particularly around Chicago's environmental consulting firms and downstate farming operations. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the strongest combination of affordability and outcomes, with graduates earning $32,711 while paying just $15,201 net. Public options like Northern Illinois University deliver solid value at $12,909 net cost, though private schools dominate the higher earnings brackets. Knox College presents an interesting case study in cost versus benefit, charging $24,875 net but producing the lowest graduate earnings at $20,928. The 84.9% graduation rate at UIUC signals strong program completion, while acceptance rates vary dramatically from Northwestern's selective 7.21% to Monmouth College's accessible 90.7%.
33
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,812
Avg. Program Earnings
63.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,437 $31,848 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
2 $12,909 $32,058 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $13,550 $29,685 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
4 $15,201 $32,711 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $29,550 $42,682 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
6 $29,141 $26,353 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
7 $35,196 $30,228 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
8 $24,875 $20,928 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
9 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
10 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
11 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
12 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
13 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
14 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
15 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
16 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
17 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
18 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
19 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
20 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
21 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
22 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
23 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
24 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
25 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
26 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
27 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
28 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
29 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
30 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
31 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
32 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
33 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Illinois conservation programs?

Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn $42,682 annually compared to Knox College's $20,928, creating a $21,754 difference. Program focus and alumni networks play major roles, with Illinois Wesleyan emphasizing research applications that lead to higher-paying positions. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign strikes a middle ground at $32,711 while maintaining strong industry connections. Geographic placement also matters, as Chicago-area programs often connect students to better-paying environmental consulting roles.

How do public and private school costs compare for this major?

Public universities offer significantly lower net costs, with Northern Illinois at $12,909 and UIUC at $15,201 compared to private schools averaging over $20,000. However, private institutions like Augustana College provide smaller class sizes and specialized research opportunities for $12,437 net. The cost difference narrows when comparing in-state tuition, with public schools ranging from $12,383 to $16,004. Private school premiums become more justified when considering graduation rates, which average 15-20 percentage points higher than public alternatives.

Is Northwestern University worth the investment for conservation studies?

Northwestern's 7.21% acceptance rate and $27,143 net cost position it as the most selective option, though earnings data isn't available for comparison. The 95.9% graduation rate far exceeds any other Illinois program, suggesting strong student support and outcomes. Northwestern's proximity to Chicago provides access to major environmental organizations and research institutions. However, students should carefully weigh the premium cost against career goals, especially since UIUC offers excellent outcomes at nearly half the net price.

Does graduation rate predict career success in conservation fields?

Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better career preparation, as seen in Illinois Wesleyan's 82.5% rate and $42,682 earnings. UIUC combines an 84.9% graduation rate with strong $32,711 earnings, suggesting effective program completion leads to better job placement. Northeastern Illinois University's concerning 16.8% graduation rate should raise red flags for prospective students. Schools with graduation rates above 70% tend to provide more full career services and industry connections that benefit conservation graduates.

Where do Illinois conservation graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago's environmental consulting sector offers the highest-paying positions, with firms serving manufacturing and transportation industries. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources employs many graduates in field research and park management roles throughout the state. Agricultural regions downstate provide opportunities in soil conservation and sustainable farming practices, though typically at lower starting salaries. Great Lakes restoration projects create specialized positions for graduates with aquatic ecosystem expertise, particularly around the Chicago metropolitan area where federal and state agencies coordinate conservation efforts.

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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.