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 1206 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found Duke University to be the best Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Duke University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $11,875 in debt. Read the full report on Duke University
Out of the 1206 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #2 spot. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,099 in debt. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Yale University came in at #3 on this year's Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. Yale University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on Yale University
A rank of #4 makes South Dakota State University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. South Dakota State University graduates 62% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,798 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full South Dakota State University profile
The strong Natural Resources Conservation programs at University Of Georgia earned it the #5 place in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,646 in student loans. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $12,988. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $17,184. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,010 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #9 in this year's ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $18,000. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Auburn University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Auburn University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $20,581 in debt. More on Auburn University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $20,846. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Cornell University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Get the full Cornell University report
Washington State University placed #13 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Get the full Washington State University report
Michigan Technological University did well this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Michigan Technological University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Michigan Technological University
Oregon State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Oregon State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $32,597. Read the full report on Oregon State University
Michigan State University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,646 in student loans. Read more about Michigan State University
Clemson University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,000. Get the full Clemson University report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,577 in debt. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,044 in debt. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. 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 run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,125. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $27,000. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Delaware placed #23 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,730. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $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 landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $13,952 in student loans. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #26 in this year's ranking. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. About 54% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,632 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,250. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $19,699. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Northeastern University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,430 in student loans. More on Northeastern University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,343. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,346. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. 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. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 $23,008 in debt. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Arizona State University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,479. See the full Arizona State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #37 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,559 in debt. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Idaho landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Moscow, ID. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,497 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on University Of Idaho
Iowa State University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $19,995. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,083 in debt. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
The University Of Tennessee ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. About 74% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Texas Tech University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,000. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #43 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #44 in this year's ranking. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. About 55% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,515. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
George Mason University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,021 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on George Mason University
University Of California Riverside came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. University Of California Riverside graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $16,157 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about University Of California Riverside
West Virginia University placed #48 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $24,282 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Get the full West Virginia University report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #49 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Arizona ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. University Of Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,483. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Related Natural Resources Conservation Rankings
Explore 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 1206 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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