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Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs reveal a striking cost advantage at public institutions, with UNC Pembroke offering the lowest net price at $9,918 compared to private options that can reach $20,197. The state's geography creates unique career opportunities, from managing coastal ecosystems along the 300-mile shoreline to forest conservation in the Appalachian Mountains, supporting industries like sustainable forestry and environmental consulting. Graduation rates vary dramatically across programs, ranging from 40.4% at North Carolina Wesleyan University to an impressive 92.1% at UNC Chapel Hill. Students entering this field can expect starting earnings between $20,140 and $33,993, with UNC Pembroke graduates earning the highest median income despite having the most affordable program cost. The Research Triangle's growing environmental technology sector and the state's agricultural heritage provide graduates with varied career paths in conservation, wildlife management, and natural resource policy development.
27
Programs
$9,918 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$26,615
Avg. Program Earnings
60.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
2 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
3 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
4 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
5 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
6 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
7 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
8 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
9 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
10 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
11 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
12 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
13 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
14 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
15 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
16 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
17 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
18 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
19 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
20 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
21 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
22 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
23 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
24 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
25 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
26 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
27 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Pembroke's program such a strong value for Natural Resources Conservation students?

UNC Pembroke combines the lowest net cost at $9,918 with the highest graduate earnings at $33,993, creating strong return on investment. The program maintains an 89.74% acceptance rate while producing graduates who out-earn peers from more expensive programs. Students pay just $3,571 in-state tuition, making it accessible to North Carolina residents seeking affordable environmental education.

How do public and private program costs compare for Natural Resources Conservation in North Carolina?

Public institutions offer significant savings, with net costs ranging from $9,918 to $19,472 compared to private colleges starting around $17,893. In-state students at public schools pay between $3,571 and $8,989 in tuition, while private institutions charge $25,950 to $60,300. The cost difference can exceed $40,000 annually at schools like Davidson College, though financial aid helps bridge gaps.

Does program selectivity correlate with graduate success in Natural Resources Conservation?

The data reveals mixed patterns between selectivity and outcomes. UNC Chapel Hill, the most selective at 17.11% acceptance, achieves a 92.1% graduation rate but graduates earn $33,459 compared to $33,993 at less selective UNC Pembroke. Davidson College accepts only 16.95% of applicants and graduates 91.9%, suggesting highly selective programs can deliver strong completion rates.

Where do Natural Resources Conservation graduates find the best earning potential in North Carolina?

UNC Pembroke graduates lead earnings at $33,993, followed closely by UNC Chapel Hill at $33,459, both exceeding $30,000 annually. NC State graduates earn $27,254, while UNC Wilmington produces earners at $25,967. The state's varied environmental sectors, from coastal management to mountain conservation, support varied salary ranges across different specializations.

Is student debt a major concern for Natural Resources Conservation students in North Carolina?

Debt levels remain manageable at most programs, with UNC Chapel Hill graduates owing just $12,000 on average. Students at Appalachian State and NC State carry around $20,500 and $21,073 respectively. UNC Asheville and Catawba College report similar debt loads near $22,000, while many public institutions don't report concerning debt levels for program graduates.

More Natural Resources Conservation and Research Rankings

Best Value Natural Resources Conservation and Research in North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation and Research Under $20,000 in North Carolina

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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.