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Ohio's Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs show dramatic cost variations, with Ohio University regional campuses offering net prices as low as $4,503 while private institutions like Wittenberg University reach $19,470. The state's manufacturing and agricultural sectors create steady demand for conservation professionals, particularly with major employers like Honda implementing sustainability initiatives. Ohio University-Eastern Campus leads affordability rankings, though its 20% graduation rate contrasts sharply with Ohio State's 87.7% rate at $18,292 net cost. Regional campuses dominate the most affordable options, with five Ohio University branches claiming the top spots under $7,000 annually. Cleveland State University graduates earn a median of $33,138, reflecting the growing environmental consulting market in Ohio's urban centers. The $15,789 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options gives students significant flexibility in matching program costs to career goals.
46
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$28,038
Avg. Program Earnings
55.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
7 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
8 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
9 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
10 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
11 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
12 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
13 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
14 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
15 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
16 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
17 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
18 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
19 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
20 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
21 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
22 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
23 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
24 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
25 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
26 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
27 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
28 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
29 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
30 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
31 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
32 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
33 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
34 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
35 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
36 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
37 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
38 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
39 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
40 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
41 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
42 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
43 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
44 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
45 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
46 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost differences between Ohio's cheapest natural resources programs?

Public regional campuses offer the lowest costs, with Ohio University-Eastern at $4,503 compared to private colleges averaging over $18,000. The five cheapest options are all Ohio University regional branches with similar $6,178 in-state tuition. Private nonprofit institutions charge significantly higher sticker prices but provide substantial financial aid, bringing net costs closer to public university levels.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio's most affordable natural resources programs?

Graduation rates range from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 87.7% at Ohio State University-Main Campus. Regional campuses typically show completion rates between 12% and 37%, while full universities achieve rates above 45%. Ohio State leads with the highest graduation rate despite charging $18,292 net cost, suggesting stronger student support systems.

Is Ohio State University worth the higher cost for natural resources conservation?

Ohio State charges $18,292 net cost but delivers 87.7% graduation rates and $35,060 median earnings for graduates. This represents the highest earning potential among Ohio programs and significantly outpaces the $26,933 median at University of Toledo. The acceptance rate of 52.72% makes admission more competitive than regional alternatives.

Does choosing a regional campus limit career prospects in natural resources?

Regional campuses offer identical Ohio University degrees at much lower costs, with net prices under $7,000 annually. However, graduation rates below 21% suggest academic challenges that could affect career preparation. Students save substantially on costs but may need additional support to complete their programs successfully.

Where do Ohio natural resources graduates typically find employment?

Ohio's manufacturing sector, including Honda and other major employers, increasingly requires environmental compliance specialists and sustainability coordinators. The state's agricultural regions need conservation specialists, while urban areas like Cleveland and Columbus offer consulting opportunities. Median earnings range from $26,933 to $35,060, reflecting the variety of career paths available to graduates.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.