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2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1206 schools 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, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value Natural Resources Conservation school in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. American Public University System Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,709 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System

#2

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Webster University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Webster University

#3

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

You'll get strong value at Youngstown State University, which ranked #3 this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

Out of the 1206 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bemidji State University landed the #4 spot. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $23,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $23,900 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bemidji State University report

Out of the 1206 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus

South Dakota State University placed #7 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,798 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,798 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University

California State University Fullerton landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $15,525. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton

University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,100. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report

#10

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Goucher College placed #10 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Goucher College

Stephen F Austin State University placed #11 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,826 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,634 ten years after entry. Set against $22,826 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile

#14

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $23,202 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,528. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $26,330. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#17

Unity College

New Gloucester, ME

Unity College placed #17 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,640. Unity College Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,852 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Unity College

#18

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $25,730 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,730 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report

University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Springfield Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,103. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Springfield

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $22,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Clemson University report

Texas State University San Marcos ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $24,515 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $24,515 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos

#22

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#22

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,646 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,646 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile

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

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:

University Of California Berkeley landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. 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. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $12,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley

Michigan Technological University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Michigan Technological University

#28

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco placed #28 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read more about University Of San Francisco

#30

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Duquesne University

The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,632. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington

Loyola University Chicago came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,042 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Set against $24,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago

University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $16,533 in debt. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $16,533 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,763. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry admits about 63% of applicants. More on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,846 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,846 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,099 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $24,099 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

#37

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,430. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northeastern University report

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #38 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,266 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,524. Students borrow a median of $23,281 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. Set against $23,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report

#40

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming

Washington State University placed #41 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. 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. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University

Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile

Texas A And M University Corpus Christi placed #43 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $20,794. Graduates carry a median of $27,523 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,865 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,523 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi

University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#45

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Oregon State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $32,597 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. Set against $32,597 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oregon State University profile

Arizona State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $22,479 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $18,676. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,676 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile

University Of Nevada Reno placed #48 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $14,421 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno

#50

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $16,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,352. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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

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