Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay delivers strong value in Natural Resources Conservation and Research, with graduates earning $34,603 annually while maintaining a net price of just $12,878. This stands out among Wisconsin's 20 programs, where earnings span from $25,194 to $35,060 and costs range from $10,044 to $29,237. The state's thriving environmental sector, anchored by companies like GE Healthcare and supported by Wisconsin's extensive forest and agricultural lands, creates strong demand for conservation professionals. UW-River Falls follows closely with the highest graduate earnings at $35,060, though at a slightly higher net cost of $14,714. Public universities dominate the best value rankings, with seven of the top eight spots filled by UW system schools. Private institutions like Carroll University and Beloit College command significantly higher prices at $24,362 and $21,924 respectively, though they offer stronger graduation rates. The Wisconsin Grant program helps in-state students access these affordable public options, making natural resources education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$30,818

Avg. Program Earnings

61.4%

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	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$34,603	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
2	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$35,060	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
3	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$33,281	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
4	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$28,719	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
5	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$29,183	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
6	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$29,685	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
7	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$25,194	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
8	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
9	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924		$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
10	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754		$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
11	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405		$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
12	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
13	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
14	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813		$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
15	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
16	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
17	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
18	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780		$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
19	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237		$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
20	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563		$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
21	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634		$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
22	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Green Bay the top value for Natural Resources Conservation in Wisconsin?

UW-Green Bay combines strong earning potential with low costs, producing graduates who earn $34,603 annually while keeping net costs at $12,878. The school maintains an 89.62% acceptance rate and achieves a 53.10% graduation rate. Students graduate with an average debt load of $22,171, making it financially accessible for most Wisconsin residents.

How much do graduates typically earn from Wisconsin natural resources programs?

Graduate earnings vary significantly across Wisconsin's programs, ranging from $25,194 to $35,060 annually. UW-River Falls leads with $35,060 in average earnings, followed closely by UW-Green Bay at $34,603. UW-Oshkosh graduates earn the least at $25,194, creating a $9,866 gap between the highest and lowest earning programs.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private natural resources programs?

Public universities offer substantially better value, with net prices ranging from $10,044 to $17,365 compared to private schools at $16,722 to $24,813. UW-Parkside provides the lowest net cost at $10,044, while Carroll University represents the highest at $24,362. Private institutions do show stronger graduation rates, with Carroll achieving 69.60% compared to the public average around 55%.

Does UW-Madison offer good value despite its competitive admissions?

UW-Madison maintains selectivity with a 49.06% acceptance rate while delivering solid value at $16,928 net cost and $29,183 in graduate earnings. The school achieves an outstanding 89.30% graduation rate, the highest among all Wisconsin natural resources programs. Students graduate with relatively low debt at $18,875, making the investment worthwhile despite higher competition for admission.

Where can students find the most affordable natural resources education in Wisconsin?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044, though graduation rates lag at 39.80%. UW-Superior provides another affordable option at $13,405 with a 95.60% acceptance rate, making admission nearly guaranteed. UW-Green Bay balances affordability at $12,878 with better outcomes, including higher graduation rates and stronger earning potential for graduates.

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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.