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Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs in Tennessee range from $12,817 to $32,096 annually, creating a $19,279 cost gap between the most and least affordable options. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga leads affordability at $12,817 net cost while maintaining strong earnings potential of $30,771 for graduates. Tennessee's growing outdoor recreation industry and the Tennessee Valley Authority's environmental initiatives create regional demand for conservation professionals. Graduation rates vary significantly across the 11 programs, from Tusculum University's 30.5% to The University of the South's 82.4%, suggesting program structure and student support differ considerably among institutions.
11
Programs
$12,817 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$28,273
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Natural Resources Conservation and Research Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
2 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
3 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
4 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
5 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
6 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
7 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
8 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
9 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
10 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
11 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee public universities so affordable for Natural Resources Conservation?

Tennessee's two public options cost $12,817 and $14,207 annually, benefiting from state funding and no state income tax policy. These programs cost roughly $8,000 less than the average private option while Tennessee Tech maintains a solid 54.2% graduation rate.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $30,771 despite the lowest program cost of $12,817. The University of the South costs $27,498 but graduates earn $25,774, showing that higher costs don't guarantee better financial outcomes.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduation rates?

Rhodes College charges $25,060 and achieves an 81.6% graduation rate, while Tusculum University costs $22,874 but graduates only 30.5% of students. The data suggests factors beyond price determine student success rates.

Where do Tennessee conservation graduates find employment opportunities?

The Tennessee Valley Authority employs conservation specialists across the state's watershed management projects. Tennessee's outdoor recreation economy and Great Smoky Mountains National Park create additional career paths for natural resources professionals.

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