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2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1206 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

Our analysis found Columbia Southern University to be the best-value Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $27,173. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. 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. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,709. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report

A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $13,287. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho

Out of the 1206 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #4 spot. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $44,087. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $44,087 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile

A rank of #5 makes University Of Maryland University College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland University College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $10,308 in debt. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Maryland University College

South Dakota State University placed #6 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,798 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. 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

Bemidji State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Students borrow a median of $23,900 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Bemidji State University

#9

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Students borrow a median of $45,254 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $45,254 median debt. Get the full Ashford University report

Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#11

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND

Valley City State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Valley City State University

#12

University Of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA

University Of North Georgia placed #12 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dahlonega, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. University Of North Georgia Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,439 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,135 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full University Of North Georgia profile

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

#14

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University placed #14 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,373. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

University Of Minnesota Crookston ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public school based in Crookston, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,288. Students borrow a median of $21,380 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. University Of Minnesota Crookston alumni report median earnings of $58,056 a decade after entry. Set against $21,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Crookston has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Minnesota Crookston

#16

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Buzzards Bay, MA

Massachusetts Maritime Academy came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Buzzards Bay, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Massachusetts Maritime Academy alumni report median earnings of $82,392 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy report

#17

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,962 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $21,962 median debt. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Western Carolina University

University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,100. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $21,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report

#19

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,202. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. That is a strong return on a $23,202 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,250. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

#23

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, WA

Skagit Valley College placed #23 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Vernon, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,400, compared with $7,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,056 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,056 median debt. Read more about Skagit Valley College

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,507. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #25 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $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. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, compared with $10,588 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,282 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College alumni report median earnings of $34,996 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College report

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

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #28 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Students borrow a median of $22,163 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile

University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. University Of Wisconsin Stout Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout

Northern Illinois University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $26,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,894. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Set against $26,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth

#33

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University

Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry placed #34 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,303 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,763. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry

California State University Sacramento placed #35 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. California State University Sacramento Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,100 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Set against $22,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento

#36

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #37 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report

#38

Suny College At Oneonta

Oneonta, NY

Suny College At Oneonta landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny College At Oneonta is a public school based in Oneonta, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,781. Students borrow a median of $22,046 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College At Oneonta

#39

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $29,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report

University Of Central Arkansas placed #40 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas

#41

Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste Marie, MI

Lake Superior State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,890. Lake Superior State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,045 ten years after entry. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Superior State University profile

Stephen F Austin State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,826. Median earnings reach $49,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University

#43

Cuny Queens College

Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Cuny Queens College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,157 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Cuny Queens College

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,099. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,099 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#47

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $13,191. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,512 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $21,512 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $22,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile

#50

Unity College

New Gloucester, ME

Unity College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Gloucester, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,640. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $27,000. Unity College alumni report median earnings of $37,852 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. See the full Unity College profile

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

California State University East Bay came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,401. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay

University Of Illinois At Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile

Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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

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