2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1089 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
South Dakota State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation doctoral degree schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
A rank of #2 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,740. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #3 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $24,515 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,125 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $21,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of California Berkeley ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,988 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Set against $21,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Washington State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $29,000. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Arizona State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,479. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Cornell University placed #15 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $23,430 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $23,430 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northeastern University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,533 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,533 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
Tennessee Technological University placed #19 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
Utah State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Logan, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $17,750. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,969 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Mississippi State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #21 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $12,044 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Iowa State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,227. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Yale University placed #25 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Yale University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #26 among the best-value 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. University Of Idaho Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of Idaho
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of California Riverside placed #29 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of California Riverside is a public school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,157. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Set against $16,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $13,952 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #31 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,210 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,210 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $17,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $17,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Oregon State University placed #33 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Oregon State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,267 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
Duke University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $11,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Duke University
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,706. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Bloomington
The University Of Tennessee ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $22,859 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #38 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $19,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $19,699 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #40 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report
University Of Arizona placed #41 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,483. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $22,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,438 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $21,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Portland State University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Portland State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $29,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,906 ten years after entry. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Portland State University report
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,021. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. Set against $23,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about George Mason University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Baylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $26,000. Baylor University alumni report median earnings of $65,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants. Read the full report on Baylor University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,577 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Antioch University New England ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Keene, NH, Antioch University New England is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,541 ten years after entry. More on Antioch University New England
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Related Natural Resources Conservation Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).