Best Natural Resources Conservation and Research Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 8 colleges offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 224 recent graduates. Graduates earn $30,812 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $32,379.

School choice matters significantly: Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn $42,682 while Knox College graduates earn $20,928 — a $21,754 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in IL
$30,812
IL Avg. Earnings
$32,379
National Avg.
271
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Illinois

Public Schools (3)
$31,485
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$30,408
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
I

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 45.2%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$32,711
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,401
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$32,058
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,157
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 70.5%
#4
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$31,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,394
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 67.7%
#5
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,228
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,620
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 81.4%
#6
N

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.4%
#7
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$26,353
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,318
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 73.5%
#8
K

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$20,928
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Illinois?
Illinois Wesleyan University ranks #1 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs in the state.
How much do Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates earn in Illinois?
Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates in Illinois earn an average of $30,812 within two years of graduation. This is 5% below the national average of $32,379 for this major.
What is the hardest Natural Resources Conservation and Research school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Natural Resources Conservation and Research program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs in the state is 65.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs produce average earnings of $30,408 vs $31,485 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

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Natural Resources Conservation and Research in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.