2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1089 institutions 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Resources Conservation Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Columbia Southern University, our #1 best-value Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Columbia Southern University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,173 in debt. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
A rank of #2 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,709 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,709 median debt. More on American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3 this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $13,287. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #4 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $44,087 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $44,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Webster University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Webster University profile
University Of Maryland University College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $10,308. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,308 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
South Dakota State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,989. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Bemidji State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Bemidji State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Bemidji State University
Ashford University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $45,254. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $45,254 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Youngstown State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Youngstown State University
University Of North Georgia landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,439. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,135 ten years after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants. More on University Of North Georgia
University Of Minnesota Crookston ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public school based in Crookston, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,288. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,380. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,056. That is a strong return on a $21,380 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston
California State University Fullerton landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. California State University Fullerton Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on California State University Fullerton
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Skagit Valley College placed #17 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Mount Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. Students borrow a median of $14,056 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,505. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Skagit Valley College profile
Massachusetts Maritime Academy placed #18 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,392. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy report
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,004 ten years after entry. Set against $21,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
Saint Cloud State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Western Carolina University placed #21 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,174. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Western Carolina University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,202. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,202 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #24 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $21,507 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $21,507 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,617. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,617 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,163 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $22,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Northern Illinois University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $26,894. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
San Jose State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,303, with out-of-state students paying around $22,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #34 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Vincennes University placed #35 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Vincennes University is a public school based in Vincennes, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,858. Vincennes University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,110 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Vincennes University report
California State University Sacramento landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $22,100 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. More on California State University Sacramento
University Of Houston placed #37 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,255. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,260. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Suny College At Oneonta ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,046. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,386. Set against $22,046 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
Central Michigan University placed #40 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Illinois At Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,103. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Cuny Queens College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,763. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Queens College
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Unity College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,640. Graduates carry a median of $27,083 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Unity College
San Diego State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $13,191. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $13,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,639. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,639 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
California State University East Bay came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. California State University East Bay Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $18,073 in debt. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
University Of Wyoming landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Sonoma State University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,856 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,856 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Sonoma State University
Grand Valley State University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,158. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,515. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Set against $24,515 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation 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 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).