2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1206 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Columbia Southern University, our #1 best-value Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $27,173. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Columbia Southern University
American Public University System came in at #2 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Students borrow a median of $16,709 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,709 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
You'll get strong value at Haywood Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,580, compared with $8,724 for out-of-state students. Haywood Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,770 a decade after entry. More on Haywood Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #4 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $13,287. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #5 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. The median Natural Resources Conservation program 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. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Webster University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Webster University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Webster University
University Of Maryland University College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $10,308. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $10,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
South Dakota State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $24,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
Skagit Valley College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mount Vernon, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,400, compared with $7,410 for out-of-state students. Skagit Valley College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $14,056 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. That is a strong return on a $14,056 median debt. Read more about Skagit Valley College
Bemidji State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Students borrow a median of $23,900 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Set against $23,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Ashford University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $45,254. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashford University report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Valley City State University placed #14 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $25,500. Valley City State University alumni report median earnings of $52,725 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Valley City State University
Youngstown State University placed #15 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
University Of North Georgia ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Graduates carry a median of $21,439 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,135 ten years after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Georgia report
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Minnesota Crookston came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,288. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,380. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,056. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Crookston report
Pennsylvania College Of Technology came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Williamsport, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,940, while out-of-state students pay about $25,680. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,567 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read the full report on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #21 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, 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. That is a strong return on a $21,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,420 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,392. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Western Carolina University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,962. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $21,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Western Carolina University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $23,202 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. That is a strong return on a $23,202 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Students borrow a median of $21,507 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Tifton, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $10,588. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $20,282. Median earnings reach $34,996 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,282 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $23,352 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,352 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #32 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,163 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $22,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Hocking College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Hocking College is a public school based in Nelsonville, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. Graduates carry a median of $12,006 in student loans. Hocking College alumni report median earnings of $37,791 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hocking College
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #34 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Northern Illinois University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $26,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $26,894 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $26,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #39 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,330 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Vincennes University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Vincennes University is a public school based in Vincennes, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,126, compared with $16,858 for out-of-state students. Vincennes University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,110 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Vincennes University profile
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public school based in Syracuse, NY. Students from in state pay about $9,303 in tuition and fees, 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%. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located 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. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,100. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Set against $22,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
University Of Houston came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,255. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Stephen F Austin State University placed #45 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,826 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $22,826 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Central Michigan University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Michigan University
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Illinois At Springfield came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,925. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,103. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Springfield
Suny College At Oneonta came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, compared with $19,781 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,046 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Suny College At Oneonta alumni report median earnings of $60,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,046 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College At Oneonta
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #51 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Cuny Queens College ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Cuny Queens College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,157 in debt. Cuny Queens College alumni report median earnings of $62,763 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny Queens College
Lake Superior State University came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sault Ste Marie, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,890. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,045 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Superior State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,619. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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