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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in New York

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

CUNY Hunter College delivers the state's most affordable Natural Resources Conservation and Research program at just $2,446 net cost, while graduates earn $31,839 annually. This creates an extraordinary return on investment that even private institutions struggle to match. The $35,736 cost gap between Hunter and the most expensive option, Colgate University at $67,024, highlights how public institutions dominate value in this field. New York's expanding renewable energy sector, including offshore wind projects along Long Island, creates strong demand for conservation professionals. State employment in environmental protection grew 8% over the past five years, with positions ranging from watershed management in the Adirondacks to urban sustainability planning in New York City. The data reveals striking variations in outcomes, from Colgate's 90.5% graduation rate and $44,942 earnings to more modest results at smaller colleges. Public universities capture 11 of the top 15 value positions, reflecting both affordable tuition and solid career preparation. SUNY's specialized College of Environmental Science and Forestry stands out with a 69.9% graduation rate, demonstrating focused expertise in the field.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $42,581
Net Price Range
$30,650
Avg. Program Earnings
67.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $31,839 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,830 $37,779 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $18,486 $37,568 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
4 $16,547 $33,138 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
5 $14,295 $25,774 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
6 $19,067 $32,569 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
7 $18,730 $31,423 $9,206 69.9% 69.5%
8 $21,364 $34,259 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
9 $18,430 $29,250 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
10 $29,107 $44,942 $67,024 90.5% 12.4%
11 $18,833 $25,194 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
12 $28,348 $34,704 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
13 $22,701 $26,896 $39,530 55.5% 50.6%
14 $24,583 $28,598 $32,049 53.3% 84.9%
15 $22,921 $26,353 $35,166 40.9% 87.7%
16 $31,057 $34,348 $63,268 72.7% 68.4%
17 $32,337 $27,126 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
18 $38,182 $27,476 $67,805 89.1% 18.7%
19 $32,965 $23,091 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
20 $34,581 $20,682 $65,030 81.7% 25.5%
21 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
22 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
23 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
24 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
25 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
26 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
27 $20,470 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
28 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
29 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
30 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
31 $18,481 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
32 $30,561 $63,870 79.7% 63.5%
33 $31,955 $57,950 73.6% 78.4%
34 $18,322 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
35 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
36 $39,253 $66,246 92.9% 8.8%
37 $21,781 $8,540 74.9% 80.3%
38 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
39 $36,000 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%
40 $27,733 $52,000 68.1% 68.5%
41 $31,771 $63,612 72.7% 46.1%
42 $37,037 $40,260 49.8% 72.1%
43 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
44 $42,581 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
45 $28,314 $65,740 91.3% 11.8%
46 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
47 $27,951 $45,880 57.4% 96.4%
48 $25,989 $38,000 48.8% 92.8%
49 $21,547 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
50 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College such an outstanding value for Natural Resources Conservation?

Hunter College combines the lowest net cost in the state at $2,446 with solid graduate earnings of $31,839. Students pay just $7,382 in-state tuition while achieving a 61% graduation rate. The school's location in Manhattan provides access to environmental nonprofits, government agencies, and consulting firms that frequently hire conservation graduates.

How do earnings compare between public and private Natural Resources programs?

Private institutions show the highest and lowest earnings ranges, from Colgate's $44,942 to Wells College's $26,353. Public universities cluster in the $25,000-$38,000 range, with CUNY Queens College leading at $37,779. The $19,748 earnings gap between top and bottom performers reflects program quality and regional job market access.

Is SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry worth the higher cost?

ESF's specialized focus justifies its $18,730 net cost through a strong 69.9% graduation rate and established industry connections. Located in Syracuse, students access extensive field research opportunities and internships. Graduate earnings of $31,423 align with state averages, while the program's reputation opens doors to federal and state environmental positions.

Does location within New York affect job prospects for conservation graduates?

Downstate schools like Hunter and Queens College benefit from proximity to major environmental organizations and government offices. Upstate programs near the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes offer extensive fieldwork opportunities but may require geographic flexibility after graduation. The state's $3 billion investment in renewable energy creates opportunities statewide, particularly in wind and solar project management.

Where do graduates typically find employment in New York's conservation sector?

The Department of Environmental Conservation employs many graduates across 200+ facilities statewide, offering starting salaries around $35,000. Environmental consulting firms concentrate in Albany, Buffalo, and New York City, providing project-based work in impact assessment and remediation. Nonprofit organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Society actively recruit from state programs, particularly those with strong field research components.

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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.