2026 Best Value Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resource Management bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 196 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
South Dakota State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Natural Resource Management bachelor's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $24,989 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
A rank of #2 makes Western Carolina University one of the best values in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,962 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Unity College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,640 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $37,852 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Get the full Unity College report
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point one of the best values in the United States. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Students borrow a median of $22,132 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,303, with out-of-state students paying around $22,263. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry alumni report median earnings of $55,763 a decade after entry. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry admits about 63% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Central Michigan University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Glenville State College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Glenville State College is a public school based in Glenville, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,315. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Glenville State College
University Of Wyoming came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. 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. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Texas Tech University placed #13 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #14 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $25,000. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Virginia University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #16 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public school based in Martin, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $22,748. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Set against $22,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee Martin profile
Auburn University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $22,803. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. See the full Auburn University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
University Of Georgia landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $25,998 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Western Washington University
Michigan State University placed #25 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $21,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Delaware came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $24,861. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, 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%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Oregon State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $34,429 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,429 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Oregon State University
Michigan Technological University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $25,275. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $26,000. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Idaho
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,118, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Florida Gulf Coast University Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $21,730 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,560. Set against $21,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Gulf Coast University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Florida Gulf Coast University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $21,815. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Rhode Island came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $69,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Rhode Island
Loyola University Chicago landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $23,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Paul Smiths, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,009. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science
University Of Redlands came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,878. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $27,175. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,690. That is a strong return on a $27,175 median debt. University Of Redlands has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full University Of Redlands profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,202, with out-of-state students paying around $39,852. Typical Natural Resource Management student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Juniata College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Huntingdon, PA. Students from in state pay about $58,580 in tuition and fees. Juniata College Natural Resource Management students take on a median of $26,976 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,918. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Juniata College admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Juniata College profile
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete their Natural Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Montana
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Graduates carry a median of $19,835 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Set against $19,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
University Of Vermont offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. The median Natural Resource Management program debt is $22,607. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,472. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read the full report on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Antioch University New England placed #44 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. Read more about Antioch University New England
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
Suny College At Cortland ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resource Management schools. Read the full report on Suny College At Cortland
Hocking College
Hocking College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Hocking College
Morrisville State College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Morrisville State College
Capital Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Capital Community College
Mississippi State University placed #50 among the best-value Natural Resource Management schools in the United States. More on Mississippi State University
Related Natural Resource Management Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resource Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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