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2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1089 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.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

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. Graduates carry a median of $27,173 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $27,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University

You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,709 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Set against $16,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System

Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #3 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $13,287. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report

A rank of #4 makes University Of Phoenix Arizona one of the best values in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $44,087. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona

Out of the 1089 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Maryland University College landed the #5 spot. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $10,308 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile

South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University

Bemidji State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bemidji State University profile

#9

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $45,254 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $45,254 median debt. Read the full report on Ashford University

Arizona State University Skysong landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,000. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile

#11

University Of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA

University Of North Georgia placed #11 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,439. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile

#13

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University

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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,288. University Of Minnesota Crookston Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,380 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,056 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,380 median debt. University Of Minnesota Crookston has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston

#15

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Buzzards Bay, MA

Massachusetts Maritime Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, while out-of-state students pay about $23,722. Massachusetts Maritime Academy Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Massachusetts Maritime Academy alumni report median earnings of $82,392 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Massachusetts Maritime Academy

University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. University Of Houston Clear Lake Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,100 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile

#17

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University placed #17 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,202 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $23,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

#19

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,174 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,174 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

#21

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, WA

Skagit Valley College placed #21 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Vernon, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. Skagit Valley College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $14,056 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,056 median debt. See the full Skagit Valley College profile

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $21,507 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $21,507 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,163. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile

University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout

Northern Illinois University placed #26 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University

Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Syracuse, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #27 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,894 in debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. Set against $26,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth

#30

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on San Jose State University

Stephen F Austin State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Stephen F Austin State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,617 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Set against $24,617 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report

California State University Sacramento came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. 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. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Sacramento report

#33

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,255. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Houston profile

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #34 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#34

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Central Michigan University profile

#36

Suny College At Oneonta

Oneonta, NY

Suny College At Oneonta ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Oneonta, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, compared with $19,781 for out-of-state students. Suny College At Oneonta Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,046 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,046 median debt. Suny College At Oneonta has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Suny College At Oneonta profile

University Of Central Arkansas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Conway, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $20,625. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report

#39

Cuny Queens College

Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. 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. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Queens College

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

#41

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. San Diego State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $13,191 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #42 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,639. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $22,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report

#43

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #44 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report

California State University East Bay landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $18,073. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full California State University East Bay report

University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report

Grand Valley State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $24,158 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $24,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full Grand Valley State University report

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,840 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $18,840 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report

#49

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, with out-of-state students paying around $21,224. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $15,856. Sonoma State University alumni report median earnings of $65,986 a decade after entry. Set against $15,856 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Sonoma State University

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Galloway, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,281 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. That is a strong return on a $23,281 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

#51

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Graduates carry a median of $20,606 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $20,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Salisbury University report

#52

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Rowan University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Rowan University

#53

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $18,979 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $18,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida State University

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $24,515 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,515 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published 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

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