Skip to main content

Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Minnesota

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

Minnesota State University-Mankato offers the highest earning potential at $43,798 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates while maintaining reasonable costs with $9,490 in-state tuition. This creates a stark contrast with private options like St Olaf College, where graduates earn just $26,896 despite the school's $56,970 sticker price. The earnings gap between programs spans nearly $17,000, reflecting different career trajectories within the field. Minnesota's natural resources sector benefits from the state's vast forests, lakes, and agricultural lands, creating demand for conservation professionals across state agencies, nonprofits, and private consulting firms. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with University of Minnesota-Crookston offering the lowest net price at $10,874 while producing graduates earning $34,230. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Southwest Minnesota State's 44.1% to St Olaf's 83.5%, suggesting different student populations and program structures across institutions.
22
Programs
$9,110 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$33,239
Avg. Program Earnings
65.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,874 $34,230 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
2 $18,609 $43,798 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
3 $14,485 $33,565 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
4 $17,139 $33,687 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
5 $21,385 $35,060 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
6 $18,464 $28,598 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
7 $25,651 $36,141 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
8 $22,752 $26,896 $56,970 83.5% 56.4%
9 $26,895 $30,771 $54,310 75.9% 73.9%
10 $30,525 $29,639 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
11 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
12 $23,875 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
13 $21,563 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
14 $27,018 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
15 $28,065 $53,884 83.0% 87.8%
16 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
17 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
18 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
19 $29,980 $64,908 90.4% 28.4%
20 $27,320 $65,457 91.2% 16.6%
21 $28,439 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
22 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 earnings gap between programs?

Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates earn $43,798 compared to $26,896 at St Olaf College, reflecting different program focuses and career paths. Mankato likely emphasizes applied conservation work and resource management that leads to higher-paying government and industry positions. St Olaf's liberal arts approach may produce graduates who pursue graduate school or nonprofit work with lower starting salaries. The 54.1% graduation rate at Mankato versus 83.5% at St Olaf also suggests different student preparation levels.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for value?

Public options offer superior value with net prices ranging from $10,874 to $18,609 compared to private schools at $21,385 to $30,525. University of Minnesota-Crookston provides the best combination with $10,874 net cost and $34,230 earnings. Private colleges like Concordia College charge $25,651 but produce graduates earning $36,141, creating a less favorable cost-to-earnings ratio. The Minnesota State Grant helps reduce costs at public institutions for eligible students.

Is the University of Minnesota system worth the investment?

The Twin Cities campus offers strong earning potential at $33,687 with an 84.8% graduation rate, though net costs reach $17,139. Crookston provides better value with lower costs at $10,874 and comparable earnings at $34,230, plus a more intimate learning environment. Duluth falls behind with $28,598 earnings despite $18,464 costs and higher debt loads at $24,699. Each campus serves different student needs and career goals within the natural resources field.

Does program selectivity affect graduate outcomes?

More selective programs do not guarantee better earnings in this field. St Olaf accepts just 56.4% of applicants but produces the lowest earnings at $26,896, while Saint Cloud State accepts 95.3% and graduates earn $33,565. University of Minnesota-Crookston accepts 57.2% and generates $34,230 earnings with lower debt loads. The correlation between selectivity and outcomes appears weak, suggesting program focus matters more than admission standards.

Where do graduates find employment in Minnesota's job market?

Minnesota's natural resources sector spans state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources, federal positions with the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, and private environmental consulting firms. The state's 11,842 lakes and extensive forest lands create steady demand for conservation professionals. Agricultural regions need soil and water conservation specialists, while urban areas require environmental compliance experts. Starting salaries range from $26,896 to $43,798 depending on employer type and specialization area.

More Natural Resources Conservation and Research Rankings

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

Related

All Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs Best Colleges in Minnesota Best Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Minnesota

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.