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Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Texas

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

University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn $52,107 annually while paying just $11,056 in net costs, creating one of the strongest value propositions for Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Texas. This field connects directly to Texas's vast energy sector and environmental consulting needs, particularly around the Gulf Coast where oil refining and coastal restoration projects demand skilled professionals. The state's 20 programs show dramatic cost variation, with net prices spanning from $6,500 at UT Rio Grande Valley to $41,942 at Baylor University. Public institutions dominate the value market, with seven of the top eight spots by affordability. Rice University stands apart with a 95.70% graduation rate despite selective 8.68% acceptance, while Texas A&M College Station combines strong earnings potential at $39,523 with an 83.80% graduation rate. The field benefits from Texas's position as a leader in both traditional energy production and renewable energy development, creating varied career paths from environmental compliance to conservation research.
36
Programs
$5,458 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$36,077
Avg. Program Earnings
56.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,056 $52,107 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
2 $11,234 $33,993 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
3 $13,853 $36,848 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
4 $15,152 $39,369 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
5 $16,438 $33,335 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
6 $15,137 $28,598 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
7 $20,924 $39,523 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
8 $20,071 $29,250 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
9 $41,942 $31,670 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
10 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
11 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
12 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
13 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
14 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
15 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
16 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
17 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
18 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
19 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
20 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
21 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
22 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
23 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
24 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
25 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
26 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
27 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
28 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
29 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
30 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
31 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
32 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
33 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
34 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
35 $22,240 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
36 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Houston-Clear Lake such strong value for natural resources students?

UH-Clear Lake delivers the highest graduate earnings at $52,107 while maintaining a moderate net cost of $11,056. The 69.37% acceptance rate makes admission accessible compared to highly selective programs. Its Houston location provides direct access to energy companies and environmental consulting firms that hire natural resources graduates.

How do public and private program costs compare in Texas?

Public programs average significantly lower net costs, with the most affordable being UT Rio Grande Valley at $6,500. Private institutions like Baylor charge $41,942 in net costs, nearly six times more. However, Rice University offers strong value at $12,640 net cost despite its $58,128 sticker price through substantial financial aid.

Is graduation rate a concern for natural resources programs in Texas?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across the 20 programs, from 33.70% at Texas A&M Corpus Christi to 95.70% at Rice University. Texas A&M College Station achieves 83.80% graduation rates among public options. Several programs fall below 50%, suggesting careful program selection matters for completion success.

Does location within Texas affect career prospects for graduates?

Houston-area programs benefit from proximity to major energy companies and environmental consulting firms. Austin programs connect to state environmental agencies and policy work. Corpus Christi and coastal programs offer access to marine conservation and Gulf Coast restoration projects, though A&M Corpus Christi shows lower graduation rates at 33.70%.

What earnings can graduates expect across different Texas programs?

Graduate earnings span from $28,598 to $52,107, showing significant variation by institution. University of Houston leads at $52,107, followed by Texas A&M College Station at $39,523. Stephen F Austin graduates earn $39,369, demonstrating that strong salaries aren't limited to major metropolitan programs.

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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.