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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio State University graduates earn $35,060 in Natural Resources Conservation and Research, the highest in Ohio, while students at the Eastern Campus pay just $4,503 net annually. This massive cost variation reflects Ohio's mix of flagship research universities and regional campuses serving different student populations. The state's manufacturing base and environmental regulations create steady demand for conservation professionals, with companies like Honda requiring sustainability expertise for their operations. Public universities dominate Ohio's conservation programs, with most charging between $6,000-$19,000 net annually. Private schools like Oberlin and Denison cost nearly $40,000 but show mixed earning outcomes. The data reveals a clear pattern: major research universities deliver higher graduate earnings despite moderate cost increases, while regional campuses offer ultra-low costs but limited career data.
46
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$28,038
Avg. Program Earnings
55.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,065 $33,138 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
2 $18,292 $35,060 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
3 $19,614 $32,284 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
4 $17,460 $26,933 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
5 $20,088 $29,685 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
6 $23,156 $23,227 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
7 $27,662 $22,268 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
8 $38,111 $28,236 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
9 $39,184 $21,508 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
12 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
13 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
14 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
15 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
16 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
17 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
20 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
21 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
22 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
23 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
24 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
25 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
26 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
27 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
28 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
29 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
30 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
31 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
32 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
33 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
34 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
35 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
36 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
37 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
38 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
39 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
40 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
41 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
42 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
43 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
44 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
45 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
46 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Ohio's most and least expensive programs?

Ohio University's Eastern Campus charges $4,503 net annually while Oberlin College costs $39,184, creating an $34,681 gap. Regional public campuses serve local students with minimal residential costs and focused curricula. Private liberal arts colleges offer small classes and extensive facilities but carry much higher overhead costs.

How do graduation rates vary between different types of Ohio conservation programs?

Ohio State achieves an 87.7% graduation rate, the highest among conservation programs in the state. Regional campuses like Ohio University-Chillicothe show 12.1% graduation rates, reflecting their open-access mission and part-time student populations. Most four-year public universities maintain graduation rates between 48-71%.

Does attending Ohio State justify its higher costs for conservation majors?

Ohio State graduates earn $35,060 annually, about $2,800 more than Kent State graduates who pay similar tuition costs. The university's research opportunities and industry connections in Columbus provide clear earning advantages. Students pay $18,292 net annually but benefit from the state's flagship university resources.

What makes Cleveland State a strong value choice for conservation students?

Cleveland State charges $16,065 net annually while graduates earn $33,138, creating one of the best cost-to-earnings ratios in Ohio. The university's 85% acceptance rate provides accessible entry to conservation programs. Cleveland's environmental consulting firms and Lake Erie research opportunities support career development.

Where do Ohio conservation graduates typically work after graduation?

Manufacturing companies like Honda hire conservation specialists to manage environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives. State agencies employ graduates for wildlife management and environmental monitoring across Ohio's varied ecosystems. The healthcare sector, including Cleveland Clinic, increasingly seeks sustainability professionals for green building operations.

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.