Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Oregon

Oregon's Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs show stark price differences, with Portland State University at $12,932 net cost compared to Reed College at $39,951. Oregon State University-Cascades Campus delivers the highest graduate earnings at $31,915, making it a standout value choice. The state's timber industry and environmental agencies create steady demand for conservation professionals, while Oregon's public universities maintain lower debt loads averaging $20,500 compared to private institutions. With 13 programs across the state, students can access quality education from the coast to the Cascades without breaking the bank.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$26,841

Avg. Program Earnings

63.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$26,933	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$31,915	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
3	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$31,915	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
4	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$25,194	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
5	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$26,739	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
6	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$21,781	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
7	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$28,960	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
8	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$26,353	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
9	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$21,781	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
10	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341		$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
11	Multnomah University Portland, Oregon	$23,866		$30,310	50.8%	53.4%
12	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, Oregon	$16,391		$12,687	59.1%	92.6%
13	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951		$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oregon State University-Cascades Campus the top earner for conservation graduates?

Graduates from OSU-Cascades earn $31,915 annually, the highest among Oregon's Natural Resources programs. The Bend campus connects students directly with federal land management agencies and outdoor recreation companies throughout Central Oregon.

How much can students save by choosing public over private conservation programs?

Public universities average $16,153 in net costs compared to $31,447 at private schools, saving students over $15,000 annually. Portland State offers the lowest net cost at $12,932 while maintaining strong connections to Oregon's environmental sector.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Oregon's conservation programs?

Not necessarily. University of Portland has an 80.40% graduation rate at $36,371 net cost, while Oregon State Corvallis achieves 70.60% graduation at just $19,568. Southern Oregon University shows the lowest completion rate at 44.20% despite moderate costs.

Where do Oregon conservation graduates find the best job opportunities?

Oregon's timber industry, state parks system, and federal agencies like the Forest Service create steady employment. The state's commitment to environmental protection through agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality provides additional career paths for conservation professionals.

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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.