2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1089 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat South Dakota State University this year in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,989. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Delaware, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $25,740 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,740 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
You'll get strong value at Texas State University San Marcos, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,515. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Set against $24,515 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on this year's best-value Natural Resources Conservation ranking in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of California Berkeley landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $12,988. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #7 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $22,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,763. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Students borrow a median of $21,632 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $18,000. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Washington State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington State University
Central Michigan University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Central Michigan University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $22,479 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,479 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Cornell University placed #15 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,500. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about Cornell University
Northeastern University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,430. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,430 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,533. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $16,533 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Tennessee Technological University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $17,580. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Utah State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Logan, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $17,750. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $12,044 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Mississippi State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $22,227 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,250. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $14,357. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Yale University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Idaho landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. University Of Idaho Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Idaho
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,000. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Riverside came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Graduates carry a median of $16,157 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $16,157 median debt. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Riverside
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $13,952. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $13,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $20,210 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $20,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $17,184. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,184 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Oregon State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $23,267 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Set against $23,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Oregon State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,706. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $25,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $11,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $11,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. See the full Duke University profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $19,500. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
The University Of Tennessee placed #37 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,859 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $19,699 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $19,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. More on University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Arizona placed #41 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $22,483 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $22,483 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,438 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,438 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Portland State University placed #43 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Portland State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $29,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Portland State University
George Mason University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,021 in debt. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Mason University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Baylor University placed #46 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,793. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Baylor University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $16,577 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Antioch University New England landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Keene, NH, Antioch University New England is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,541. Read more about Antioch University New England
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #49 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,730 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
Related Natural Resources Conservation Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1089 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).