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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Michigan

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

Oakland University graduates in Natural Resources Conservation and Research earn $41,844 annually, the highest among Michigan programs, while maintaining a 90% acceptance rate that makes quality education accessible. This earning potential reflects strong demand from Michigan's environmental consulting firms and the state's extensive Great Lakes restoration projects. The cost gap between public and private options spans dramatically, with University of Michigan-Dearborn offering the lowest net price at $10,904 compared to Calvin University's $24,783. Michigan State University produces graduates with an 82% completion rate, significantly above the state average of 61% for this field. The automotive industry's shift toward sustainability has created new opportunities for conservation professionals, particularly in environmental compliance and green technology development across Detroit's manufacturing corridor.
23
Programs
$10,904 – $24,783
Net Price Range
$30,971
Avg. Program Earnings
59.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $35,060 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $13,584 $41,844 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
3 $12,280 $29,685 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
4 $17,096 $32,245 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
5 $16,041 $28,515 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
6 $20,751 $33,993 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
7 $14,832 $23,869 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
8 $17,485 $23,842 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
9 $24,783 $29,685 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
10 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
11 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
12 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
13 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
14 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
15 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
16 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
17 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
18 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
19 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
20 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
21 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
22 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
23 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between schools in this field?

Oakland University graduates earn $41,844 annually while Northern Michigan University graduates start at $23,842, a difference of $18,002. This gap reflects geographic factors and program focus areas. Schools near Detroit's industrial centers typically see higher starting salaries due to corporate environmental positions. Rural programs often lead to government or nonprofit roles with different compensation structures.

How do graduation rates vary among Michigan's conservation programs?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with a 93% graduation rate, followed by Michigan State at 82%. However, these selective programs have much lower acceptance rates than regional universities. Northern Michigan University graduates just 51% of students but accepts 71% of applicants. The statewide average graduation rate for this major sits around 61%.

Is the University of Michigan system worth the higher costs for this major?

Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904 with graduates earning $35,060, creating strong value. Michigan-Ann Arbor costs $14,832 but graduates earn only $23,869, making it less economical despite the 93% graduation rate. Michigan-Flint falls in between at $12,280 net cost with $29,685 in graduate earnings.

Does debt load impact career choices in natural resources fields?

Central Michigan University graduates carry the highest debt at $28,644, which can limit nonprofit and government career options that typically pay less. Oakland University graduates manage just $19,187 in debt while earning the field's highest salaries. Lower debt loads allow graduates more flexibility to pursue conservation work in rural areas or with environmental organizations.

Where do acceptance rates create the best opportunities for students?

Grand Valley State University accepts 90% of applicants while maintaining a solid 69% graduation rate and producing graduates who earn $32,245. Oakland University offers similar accessibility with 90% acceptance plus the highest graduate earnings. In contrast, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts only 18% of applicants, creating significant admission barriers despite strong academic outcomes.

More Natural Resources Conservation and Research Rankings

Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Michigan Natural Resources Conservation and Research Under $20,000 in Michigan

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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.