2026 Best Value Natural Resource Management Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resource Management programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 196 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Natural Resource Management Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
A rank of #2 makes Skagit Valley College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Mount Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. Students borrow a median of $14,056 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,056 median debt. Get the full Skagit Valley College report
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Natural Resource Management ranking in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Out of the 196 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hocking College landed the #5 spot. Located in Nelsonville, OH, Hocking College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,791 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hocking College
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Western Carolina University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $21,962 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Unity College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,640. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Unity College alumni report median earnings of $37,852 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Unity College report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,132 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,132 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public school based in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
University Of Delaware landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Glenville State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Glenville, WV, Glenville State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,354 for out-of-state students. Glenville State College Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Glenville State College alumni report median earnings of $39,315 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Glenville State College
Texas Tech University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Wyoming placed #18 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Rowan University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $24,488. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Rowan University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Suny College At Oneonta came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $22,046. Median earnings reach $60,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Oneonta has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Suny College At Oneonta
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #23 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Texas State University San Marcos placed #24 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
West Virginia University placed #25 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on West Virginia University
University Of Denver landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. University Of Denver Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,155. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Denver
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resource Management Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Colorado State University Fort Collins Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
California State University Monterey Bay landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $14,622. California State University Monterey Bay alumni report median earnings of $59,247 a decade after entry. Set against $14,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full California State University Monterey Bay profile
Harvard University placed #29 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Harvard University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Harvard University report
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Graduates carry a median of $22,748 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Set against $22,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
Auburn University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $22,803. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Auburn University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Georgia ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Duke University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $13,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Duke University
Stony Brook University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. More on Stony Brook University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Loyola University Chicago placed #37 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $23,521. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $22,859. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $23,013. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,967. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile
Michigan State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,755 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $34,429 in student loans. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. Set against $34,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oregon State University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Students borrow a median of $27,484 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $27,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State College Of Denver admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $25,998 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,998 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
University Of Idaho came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $54,670 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Idaho profile
Western Washington University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $20,361. Median earnings reach $62,569 ten years out. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Western Washington University
Florida International University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida International University
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Students borrow a median of $18,559 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. More on University Of California Santa Cruz
Northern Arizona University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $21,645. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $26,475. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Portland State University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $21,815 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $21,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Best Value Natural Resource Management Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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