Illinois · Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Best Natural Resources Conservation and Research institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

The Natural Resources Conservation and Research program focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and promote…

Institutions
30
offering CIP 03.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
534
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$30,490
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
8
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,794
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
64%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Conservation Scientists
$74,990
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 8 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Northern Illinois University
Dekalb Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,4092749%$26,625
2Augustana College
Rock Island Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$35,669973%$14,960$26,000
3University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$31,36911085%$21,000
4Loyola University Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$30,7979473%$33,454$24,042
5Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$30,490822%$20,927
6Knox College
Galesburg Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$28,757868%$24,240$26,000
7Lake Forest College
Lake Forest Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$26,9981678%$25,052
8DePaul University
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$26,3813468%$28,141$24,750

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Conservation Scientists (SOC 19-1031).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.4%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~2,500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$67,950
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingScienceWritingCritical Thinking

What Conservation Scientists earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
730
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$74,990
median $72,550
Best-paying metro
$82,830
Champaign-Urbana, IL

Related careers

Compliance Officers
$85,040 avg · 10,190 jobs
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
$46,970 avg · 1,740 jobs
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
$97,670 avg · 1,330 jobs
Forest and Conservation Technicians
$47,650 avg · 960 jobs
Conservation Scientists
$74,990 avg · 730 jobs
Foresters
$77,880 avg · 170 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs in Illinois.

Which Natural Resources Conservation and Research program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Northern Illinois University tops the list at $36,409. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Conservation Scientists earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Conservation Scientists in Illinois is $74,990 (median $72,550), across about 730 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Natural Resources Conservation and Research program?+

The Natural Resources Conservation and Research program focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and promote…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, science, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Conservation Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about +3.4% growth with around 2,500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Natural Resources Conservation and Research in other statesAlabamaDistrict of ColumbiaWest VirginiaKansasOklahomaNew JerseyArizonaRhode Island

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