2026 Best Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best Natural Resources Conservation doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1089 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $11,875. Read more about Duke University
You'll be in good company at Yale University, which ranked #2 this year. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Yale University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. Read the full report on Yale University
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on this year's Natural Resources Conservation ranking 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,989. See the full South Dakota State University profile
A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the top choices in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $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. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
You'll be in good company at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,125. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Cornell University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. Get the full Cornell University report
Washington State University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Get the full Washington State University report
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Based 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Get the full Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $12,044 in student loans. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,577. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #13 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Delaware ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,740. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #15 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,533. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $13,952. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Arlington posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,632. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Maryland College Park placed #19 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,699 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Northeastern University placed #20 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $23,430 in student loans. Read more about Northeastern University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. About 84% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,706 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $19,500. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #25 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #26 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,348. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Arizona State University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,479. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Idaho ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. About 57% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. More on University Of Idaho
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $17,184 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,438. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Iowa State University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,227. Read more about Iowa State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The University Of Tennessee graduates 74% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,859. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #33 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,000. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Texas State University San Marcos did well this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $24,515 in student loans. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
George Mason University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,021 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about George Mason University
University Of California Riverside placed #36 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. University Of California Riverside posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,157. More on University Of California Riverside
Oregon State University did well this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Oregon State University graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Oregon State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,267 in debt. Read the full report on Oregon State University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #38 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $20,210 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Arizona placed #39 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,483 in debt. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Mississippi State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,969. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Baylor University did well this year, earning the #41 position. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Baylor University
Utah State University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. See the full Utah State University profile
University Of California Santa Cruz did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Tennessee Technological University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. Tennessee Technological University posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus did well this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. More on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Drexel University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Students borrow a median of $28,956 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about Drexel University
University Of Connecticut ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. University Of Connecticut graduates 83% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,692 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on University Of Connecticut
Central Michigan University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Central Michigan University posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Read more about Central Michigan University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale did well this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,730. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #50 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Related Natural Resources Conservation Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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