2026 Best Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Natural Resources Conservation master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1206 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
No school ranked higher than Duke University this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Students borrow a median of $11,875 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on Duke University
University Of Denver came in at #2 on this year's Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,899. Read the full report on University Of Denver
Out of the 1206 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #3 spot. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The strong Natural Resources Conservation programs at Webster University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Webster University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on Webster University
Yale University came in at #5 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. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $14,357. See the full Yale University profile
Harvard University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 98% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Georgia ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,646. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #8 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $12,988. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #9 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Graduates carry a median of $21,100 in student loans. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #10 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set 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 run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,577 in student loans. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
California State University Fullerton placed #11 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. California State University Fullerton graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. California State University Fullerton Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. More on California State University Fullerton
South Dakota State University placed #12 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. 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 $24,798. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of San Francisco came in at #13 in this year's ranking. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,258. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,099 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Emory University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Emory University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,172 in debt. Read the full report on Emory University
University Of California Santa Barbara did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $16,533 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Clemson University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #19 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Monterey Institute Of International Studies came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in Monterey, CA, Monterey Institute Of International Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,654. Read more about Monterey Institute Of International Studies
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,184 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Cornell University did well this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Cornell University
Oregon State University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Oregon State University graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $32,597. Read more about Oregon State University
Washington State University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. More on Washington State University
Auburn University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $20,581. Get the full Auburn University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #26 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. About 64% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $27,000. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
American University did well this year, earning the #27 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $26,905 in student loans. More on American University
Duquesne University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duquesne University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $26,297. Read more about Duquesne University
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,952 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Northeastern University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $23,430 in student loans. More on Northeastern University
Michigan Technological University placed #31 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of California Irvine placed #33 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $12,477. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Indiana University Bloomington placed #34 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Bloomington posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. 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 California Davis placed #35 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,218 in student loans. More on University Of California Davis
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #36 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Arlington posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,632 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,202. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #39 in this year's ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,699 in debt. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
San Jose State University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
American Public University System ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,709. See the full American Public University System profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $12,044. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Stephen F Austin State University placed #43 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. Stephen F Austin State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Students borrow a median of $22,826 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Michigan State University placed #45 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,646 in student loans. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,846 in student loans. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #47 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. About 74% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,388 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
George Washington University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Read more about George Washington University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #50 among Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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).