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Cheapest Natural Resources Conservation and Research Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's most affordable Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs reveal stark contrasts between public and private options. Cheyney University offers the lowest net price at just $9,837, while graduates from Allegheny College earn $28,816 annually despite the program's $21,900 net cost. The 20 programs span from $9,837 to $23,281, creating accessible pathways into environmental careers across the state. Pennsylvania's natural resource sector benefits from major employers like UPMC's environmental services division and pharmaceutical companies requiring environmental compliance expertise. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with Lincoln University at $12,912 and Millersville at $20,231 offering strong value propositions. Private institutions like Saint Francis University achieve 72.8% graduation rates but command higher net prices around $19,173. The state's varied geography, from Appalachian forests to urban watersheds, creates steady demand for conservation professionals. Students can leverage the PA State Grant to reduce costs further at participating institutions.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $35,487
Net Price Range
$32,455
Avg. Program Earnings
66.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
4 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
5 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
6 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
7 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
8 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
9 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
10 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
11 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
12 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
13 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
14 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
15 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
16 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
17 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
18 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
19 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
20 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
21 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
22 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
23 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
24 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
25 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
26 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
27 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
28 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
29 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
30 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
31 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
32 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
33 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
34 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
35 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
36 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
37 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
38 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
39 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
40 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
41 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
42 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
43 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
44 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
45 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
46 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
47 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
48 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
49 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
50 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cheyney University's $9,837 net price so much lower than other programs?

Cheyney University's public status and targeted financial aid packages create the lowest net cost among Pennsylvania's Natural Resources Conservation programs. As a historically black university, Cheyney receives additional federal funding that helps offset tuition costs. The university's 16.2% graduation rate reflects challenges, but students who complete the program access Pennsylvania's growing environmental sector at minimal debt.

How do earnings compare across the most affordable programs in the state?

Graduates from Kutztown University earn $39,214 annually, the highest among schools with available earnings data, despite a net price of $21,205. Allegheny College graduates earn $28,816 with similar net costs at $21,900. Albright College falls between these at $33,993 in earnings with a $21,664 net price, showing that program outcomes vary significantly even within similar price ranges.

Is the $25,919 debt load at Kutztown University typical for these programs?

Kutztown's $25,919 average debt represents moderate borrowing compared to national averages for natural resources programs. With graduates earning $39,214 annually, the debt-to-income ratio remains manageable at approximately 66%. Allegheny College shows higher debt at $27,000 but lower starting salaries at $28,816, creating a less favorable financial outcome.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania's cheapest options?

Higher graduation rates generally appear at more expensive programs, though exceptions exist. Swarthmore College achieves 94.1% graduation rates at $18,686 net cost, while Cheyney University graduates only 16.2% of students despite the lowest $9,837 price. Saint Francis University demonstrates strong outcomes with 72.8% graduation rates at $19,173, suggesting that moderate investment often yields better completion rates.

Where do Pennsylvania's environmental employers recruit Natural Resources Conservation graduates?

Major Pennsylvania employers like UPMC's facilities management division, Comcast's sustainability initiatives, and pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline actively recruit environmental professionals. The state's Marcellus Shale industry requires environmental compliance specialists, while Pittsburgh's growing tech sector needs sustainability consultants. Graduates often find positions with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and consulting firms serving the state's manufacturing base.

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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.