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Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs in Illinois show dramatic cost variations, with net prices ranging from $8,837 at Millikin University to over $21,000 at the most expensive options. Public universities generally offer better value, though private schools like Augustana College achieve higher graduation rates at 79.2%. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out with the highest early career earnings at $32,711, reflecting its strong research connections to Illinois environmental agencies and agricultural sectors. Illinois graduates enter a job market shaped by the state's agricultural heritage and growing environmental consulting needs, particularly around Chicago's industrial corridor and the Mississippi River watershed. With 20 programs available, students can find options ranging from small liberal arts colleges to major research universities. The state's MAP Grant program helps reduce costs for qualifying students, making these programs more accessible. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 84.9% at UI Urbana-Champaign, highlighting the importance of matching academic preparation with institutional rigor.
33
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,812
Avg. Program Earnings
63.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
8 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
9 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
10 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
11 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
12 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
13 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
14 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
15 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
16 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
17 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
18 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
19 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
20 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
21 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
22 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
23 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
24 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
25 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
26 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
27 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
28 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
29 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
30 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
31 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
32 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
33 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University the most affordable option at $8,837 net price?

Millikin University offers the lowest net price for Natural Resources Conservation programs in Illinois at $8,837, despite being a private institution with a sticker price of $26,892. The school provides significant financial aid that reduces costs below most public universities. With a 59.1% graduation rate and 75.4% acceptance rate, Millikin offers accessible education in Decatur, positioned near Illinois agricultural regions.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a net price of $15,201, produces the highest early career earnings at $32,711. In contrast, Northeastern Illinois University costs $13,550 but shows earnings of only $29,685. This $3,026 earnings difference suggests that program reputation and research opportunities significantly impact career outcomes beyond just tuition costs.

Is there a significant graduation rate gap between public and private schools?

Private schools generally show higher graduation rates, with Augustana College leading at 79.2% compared to public options like Northern Illinois University at 49.6%. However, Northeastern Illinois University shows an extremely low 16.8% graduation rate, well below the state average. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign breaks this pattern with an excellent 84.9% graduation rate for a public institution.

Does location within Illinois affect program costs and outcomes?

Chicago-area schools show mixed results, with Northeastern Illinois University offering low costs but poor outcomes, while Dominican University in River Forest charges $15,113 with better 62.4% graduation rates. Rural locations like Augustana College in Rock Island and UI Urbana-Champaign provide strong programs with different cost structures. Geographic location appears less important than institutional resources and student support.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Illinois?

Illinois Natural Resources Conservation graduates often work with state environmental agencies, consulting firms serving Chicago's industrial corridor, and agricultural organizations throughout the state's farming regions. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources hire regularly from state programs. Many graduates also find opportunities with environmental consulting firms addressing contamination issues along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

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.