2026 Best Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Natural Resource Management bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 196 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is South Dakota State University, our #1 Natural Resource Management school in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. South Dakota State University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. More on South Dakota State University
You'll be in good company at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #2 this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The strong Natural Resource Management programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $23,393. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
A rank of #4 makes Auburn University one of the top choices in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Auburn University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. Read more about Auburn University
You'll be in good company at Michigan State University, which ranked #5 this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. About 81% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $21,755 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Read more about Michigan State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $27,000. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry placed #7 among Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. See the full Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Redlands did well this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,878. University Of Redlands Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $27,175 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
University Of Georgia did well this year, earning the #10 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Michigan Technological University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. More on Michigan Technological University
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Colorado State University Fort Collins posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Students borrow a median of $22,132 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $20,000. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Loyola University Chicago ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $23,521. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
University Of Delaware came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $24,861. More on University Of Delaware
West Virginia University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read more about West Virginia University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Texas Tech University placed #20 among Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. More on Texas Tech University
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates 88% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $27,000. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $21,815. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Texas State University San Marcos did well this year, earning the #24 position. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Juniata College landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Huntingdon, PA, Juniata College is a private not-for-profit institution. Juniata College posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,580. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $26,976. More on Juniata College
Oregon State University came in at #26 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $34,429. More on Oregon State University
Unity College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Unity College graduates 29% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,640. Unity College Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Unity College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $25,275. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. More on University Of Wyoming
Western Washington University placed #30 among Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $20,361. More on Western Washington University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Durham, NH. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Rhode Island came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $25,000. Get the full University Of Rhode Island report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $23,008. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Western Carolina University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Western Carolina University graduates 60% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Western Carolina University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $21,962 in debt. More on Western Carolina University
Central Michigan University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Central Michigan University graduates 59% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $27,857. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Based in Paul Smiths, NY, Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science is a private not-for-profit institution. About 46% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,009. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science
University Of Idaho came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Idaho report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #38 among Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $25,998. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Vermont came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. University Of Vermont graduates 79% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Students borrow a median of $22,607 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
The University Of Tennessee Martin ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. The University Of Tennessee Martin graduates 52% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee Martin Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,748 in debt. See the full The University Of Tennessee Martin profile
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Located in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,118, compared with $25,162 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $21,730. Read the full report on Florida Gulf Coast University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #42 among Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. About 64% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Students borrow a median of $19,835 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Glenville State College landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Located in Glenville, WV, Glenville State College is a public institution. Glenville State College graduates 35% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $11,354. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Glenville State College
The University Of Montana ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. See the full The University Of Montana profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale did well this year, earning the #43 position. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Seattle Pacific University did well this year, earning the #44 position. More on Seattle Pacific University
Nunez Community College did well this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about Nunez Community College
Sul Ross State University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. More on Sul Ross State University
Missouri Southern State University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
Salish Kootenai College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. More on Salish Kootenai College
University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resource Management schools. Read more about University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Great Basin College did well this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Great Basin College report
Related Natural Resource Management Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Natural Resource Management Schools (All Levels)
- Best Natural Resource Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resource Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resource Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resource Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resource Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resource Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 196 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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