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2024 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

272 Colleges in the United States
30,503 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$35,158 Avg Early-Career Salary
Natural Resources & Conservation degree programs are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of popularity. In fact, the major ranks #25 out of the 38 majors we look at each year. While this may limit the number of schools that offer the degree program, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 272 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for natural resources & conservation students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 30,503 degrees in natural resources & conservation during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Natural Resources & Conservation School

Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools Your choice of natural resources & conservation school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Natural Resources & Conservation School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Natural Resources & Conservation Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Natural Resources & Conservation
Bachelor's Degrees in Natural Resources & Conservation
Master's Degrees in Natural Resources & Conservation
Doctor's Degrees in Natural Resources & Conservation

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of natural resources & conservation degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
150 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$59,489 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat Yale University if you wish to pursue a degree in natural resources & conservation. Located in the midsize city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,238 schools nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 150 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at Yale University earn $24,331 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Yale University

2
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
258 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$58,733 Median Starting Salary

Harvard University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in natural resources & conservation. Harvard is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were about 258 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from Harvard University earn $23,575 more than the standard natural resources & conservation student.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Harvard University

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
195 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$48,114 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in natural resources & conservation needs to take a look at Duke University. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 195 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation major at Duke University earn $12,956 more than the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Duke University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
616 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$51,358 Median Starting Salary

University of California - Berkeley is a good choice for students interested in a degree in natural resources & conservation. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were roughly 616 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation program at University of California - Berkeley get $16,201 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of California - Berkeley

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
312 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
12.8% Growth in Graduates

U-M is a fairly large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 312 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor earn a boost of around $4,372 over the typical earnings of natural resources & conservation graduates.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
83 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$59,243 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,238 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 83 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York get an earnings boost of approximately $24,085 above the typical income of natural resources & conservation graduates.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Columbia University in the City of New York

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
203 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
32.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Denver, DU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 34 colleges for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were approximately 203 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at University of Denver get $29,597 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Denver

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
245 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$40,033 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,238 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were roughly 245 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive $4,876 more than the average natural resources & conservation grad.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
333 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
14.7% Growth in Graduates

NC State is a very large public university located in the large city of Raleigh. This university ranks 3rd out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 333 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at North Carolina State University make $10,203 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from North Carolina State University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
387 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$33,549 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of College Station, Texas A&M College Station is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 116 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 387 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, natural resources & conservation degree recipients generally earn about $33,549 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Texas A&M University - College Station

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$29,460 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. This university ranks 2nd out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 154 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program report average early career income of $29,460.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
491 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$24,435 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 491 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, natural resources & conservation degree recipients usually earn about $24,435 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Wisconsin - Madison

13
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
32 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$30,489 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #24 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were approximately 32 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program state that they receive average early career income of $30,489.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Brown University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
470 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, UCSB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 170 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 470 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from University of California - Santa Barbara earn $7,343 more than the typical natural resources & conservation student.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of California - Santa Barbara

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
21.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 101 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the natural resources & conservation program earn an average of $36,898 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of California - Los Angeles

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
370 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$30,105 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 170 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 370 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent data year. After graduating, natural resources & conservation degree recipients usually earn around $30,105 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of California - Davis

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
17.6% Growth in Graduates

Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Ithaca. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,238 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were about 119 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program state that they receive average early career wages of $29,011.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Cornell University

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
237 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
12.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 55 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 237 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the natural resources & conservation program earn about $35,869 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

19
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$36,820 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,238 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were approximately 37 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program report average early career earnings of $36,820.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Emory University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
141 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
20.6% Growth in Graduates

University of Virginia is a fairly large public university located in the small suburb of Charlottesville. This university ranks 1st out of 65 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 141 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program report average early career earnings of $26,595.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Virginia - Main Campus

21
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
401 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
11.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. This school ranks 2nd out of 65 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 401 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at Virginia Tech make $3,864 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Virginia Tech

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$44,189 Median Starting Salary

ASU - Tempe is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tempe. This university ranks 1st out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were about 221 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from Arizona State University - Tempe receive $9,031 more than the typical natural resources & conservation student.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Arizona State University - Tempe

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
92 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
20.7% Growth in Graduates

Northeastern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. This university ranks 9th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 92 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation major at Northeastern University get $7,832 more than the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Northeastern University

24
Webster crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$71,774 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 6th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 37 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Webster in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at Webster University earn $36,616 more than the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Webster University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
40.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Norman, University of Oklahoma is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 32 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were approximately 108 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation major at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn $5,978 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Rest of the Top Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

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29
SCU crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
30
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
31

32
Colby crest
Colby College
Waterville, ME

33
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35
36
37
38
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
39
40

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Natural Resources & Conservation students that almost earned our Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools award.

Rank College Location
41 George Washington University Washington, DC
42 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
43 University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
44 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
45 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
46 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
47 Tufts University Medford, MA
48 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY
49 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NE
50 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
51 Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
52 American Public University System Charles Town, WV
53 University of Delaware Newark, DE
54 American University Washington, DC

Natural Resources & Conservation by Region

View the Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Natural Resources & Conservation Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Natural Resources Conservation 22,254
Natural Resource Management 2,933
Wildlife Management 2,449
Forestry 2,233
Fisheries Sciences 483
Natural Resources Conservation (Other) 151

View All Natural Resources & Conservation Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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