Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's most affordable Natural Resources Conservation and Research program sits at University of Minnesota-Morris with a net price of just $9,110, creating an $18,329 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options on this list. The state's 15 programs span from Morris's rural setting to the Twin Cities metro, where graduates can tap into Minnesota's growing environmental consulting sector and the state's leadership in renewable energy development. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools under $18,000 net price, while private colleges like Concordia College at Moorhead push costs above $25,000. Saint Cloud State University stands out with a 95.28% acceptance rate and $14,485 net price, making it accessible to most applicants. Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $43,798, nearly double what St Olaf College graduates make at $26,896 despite St Olaf's higher graduation rate of 83.50%.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$33,239

Avg. Program Earnings

65.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874	$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
3	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
4	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
5	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
6	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
7	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
8	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
9	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
10	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
11	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
12	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
13	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
14	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
15	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
16	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
17	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
18	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
19	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
20	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
21	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
22	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris the cheapest option for Natural Resources Conservation?

Morris offers the lowest net price at $9,110 while maintaining a solid 61.90% graduation rate and 77.66% acceptance rate. The campus serves as a regional center for sustainable agriculture research in western Minnesota. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct access to prairie restoration projects. The school's rural location keeps operating costs low, passing savings to students through reduced tuition and fees.

How do public versus private school costs compare for this major in Minnesota?

Public universities average around $16,000 in net costs while private colleges range from $21,385 to $25,651. The University of Minnesota system dominates affordable options with campuses in Morris, Crookston, and Duluth all under $19,000. Private schools like Hamline University and St Catherine University cost $21,000+ but offer smaller class sizes. The cost difference can exceed $10,000 annually between public and private options.

Is there a significant earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates start at $43,798 while St Olaf College graduates begin at $26,896, creating a $16,902 earnings gap. Mankato's higher earnings likely reflect its connections to agricultural research and environmental consulting in southern Minnesota. University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates earn $28,598, positioning them in the middle range. Location and program focus appear to drive these salary differences more than school prestige.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Minnesota?

Not necessarily, as University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves 84.80% graduation rates at $17,139 net cost while expensive St Olaf College hits 83.50% at $22,752. Saint Cloud State University maintains only 46.90% graduation rates despite moderate $14,485 costs. Metropolitan State University shows the lowest completion rate at 38.40% with $19,181 net price. Student support services and academic preparation matter more than tuition levels for degree completion.

Where do most graduates find employment in Minnesota's natural resources sector?

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources employs many graduates in forest management and wildlife conservation across the state's 58 state parks. Environmental consulting firms in the Twin Cities metro hire graduates for pollution assessment and remediation projects. The state's mining industry in northeastern Minnesota creates opportunities in resource extraction and land rehabilitation. Agricultural research positions exist throughout rural Minnesota, particularly in sustainable farming practices and soil conservation 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.