Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University offers Oregon's most affordable Natural Resources Conservation and Research program at just $12,932 net cost, while Reed College charges $39,951 for the same field. This $27,000 price gap reflects Oregon's mix of accessible public universities and expensive private colleges. The state's timber industry and environmental agencies create steady demand for conservation professionals, with Oregon State University graduates earning $31,915 annually. Most programs accept over 80% of applicants, making admission relatively straightforward compared to the financial planning required for this career path.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$26,841

Avg. Program Earnings

63.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, Oregon	$16,391	$12,687	59.1%	92.6%
3	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
6	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
7	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
8	Multnomah University Portland, Oregon	$23,866	$30,310	50.8%	53.4%
9	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
10	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
11	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
12	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
13	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes such large earning differences between Oregon conservation programs?

Oregon State University graduates earn $31,915 while University of Oregon graduates start at $21,781, a $10,000 gap. Oregon State's stronger research connections and proximity to state forestry agencies likely contribute to higher starting salaries.

How do graduation rates compare between cheap and expensive programs?

Reed College leads with a 75.9% graduation rate despite its $39,951 cost, while Portland State achieves 53.1% at $12,932. The $27,000 price difference doesn't guarantee better outcomes, as Oregon State matches Reed's earning potential at half the cost.

Does choosing Oregon State over University of Oregon make financial sense?

Oregon State costs $19,568 versus Oregon's $21,782, while offering $10,000 higher starting salaries. The $2,214 savings plus better earnings make Oregon State the stronger investment for conservation careers.

Where do most Oregon conservation students find the best value?

Public universities dominate the affordable options, with five schools under $20,000 net cost. Oregon Institute of Technology at $16,391 and Southern Oregon University at $16,470 offer particularly strong value in the state's southern regions.

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.