2026 Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools
Looking for the best Natural Resources Conservation programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1089 colleges 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 build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Natural Resources Conservation Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
University Of Denver tops our 2026 ranking of the best Natural Resources Conservation programs schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. University Of Denver Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $25,899 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Denver
You'll be in good company at Columbia Southern University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 26%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $27,173 in student loans. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Out of the 1089 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Duke University landed the #3 spot. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University posts a six-year graduation rate of 97%. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Duke University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $11,875 in debt. Read more about Duke University
Out of the 1089 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #4 spot. Located in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates 74% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy
The strong Natural Resources Conservation programs at Webster University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full Webster University profile
Yale University placed #6 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Read more about Yale University
Harvard University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read more about Harvard University
American Public University System came in at #8 in this year's ranking. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. About 47% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. American Public University System Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,709 in debt. Get the full American Public University System report
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,988 in debt. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,100. Read the full report on University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Maryland University College did well this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. About 20% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Students borrow a median of $10,308 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Dartmouth College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Dartmouth College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $15,078 in debt. Read the full report on Dartmouth College
South Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about South Dakota State University
California State University Fullerton ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. California State University Fullerton posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about California State University Fullerton
Ashford University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 10%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Students borrow a median of $45,254 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Get the full Ashford University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $26,408 in student loans. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Seton Hall University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. Seton Hall University graduates 70% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Seton Hall University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. More on Seton Hall University
Emory University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,172 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Emory University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Brown University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Brown University
University Of North Georgia ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Graduates carry a median of $21,439 in student loans. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Saint Cloud State University placed #24 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Saint Cloud State University graduates 39% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,000. More on Saint Cloud State University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,125 in debt. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Gustavus Adolphus College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Peter, MN. Gustavus Adolphus College posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Students from in state pay about $56,076 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,250. See the full Gustavus Adolphus College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
North Carolina State University At Raleigh did well this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,500. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $16,533 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Cornell University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,500. More on Cornell University
Colby College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Waterville, ME, Colby College is a private not-for-profit institution. Colby College graduates 89% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,600. Colby College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,313 in debt. Read more about Colby College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,577. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Boston College did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Boston College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $17,200 in debt. More on Boston College
University Of California Davis placed #33 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $15,200 in debt. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Monterey Institute Of International Studies did well this year, earning the #34 position. Monterey Institute Of International Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Monterey, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,654. See the full Monterey Institute Of International Studies profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #35 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Phoenix Arizona did well this year, earning the #36 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. About 16% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $44,087 in student loans. Get the full University Of Phoenix Arizona report
University Of Georgia placed #37 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. University Of Georgia graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,792. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Augustana College Illinois came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Set in Rock Island, IL, Augustana College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. Augustana College Illinois posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. Students from in state pay about $51,598 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Get the full Augustana College Illinois report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $12,044 in student loans. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Stephen F Austin State University did well this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Stephen F Austin State University graduates 53% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Students borrow a median of $24,617 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Washington State University placed #43 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Read the full report on Washington State University
Dickinson College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Carlisle, PA. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,650. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $18,402. Read more about Dickinson College
University Of Houston landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Brandeis University did well this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waltham, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,653 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about Brandeis University
San Jose State University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. San Jose State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. More on San Jose State University
University Of California Irvine placed #48 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,477 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Auburn University placed #49 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,803. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,894. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
American University came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,905 in student loans. Get the full American University report
Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1089 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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