2026 Best Value Natural Resource Management Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

1

Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College earned the #1 spot for value among natural resource management schools in the Rocky Mountains Region. Located in the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,616, compared with $12,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for natural resource management graduates is $12,953. Natural Resource Management graduates of Colorado Mountain College earn a median of $48,694 early in their careers. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resource management schools. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Natural Resource Management graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Natural Resource Management graduates of University Of Wyoming earn a median of $49,890 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants.

3

Colorado Northwestern Community College
Rangely, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado Northwestern Community College earned it the #3 place for natural resource management. Colorado Northwestern Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Rangely. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,594, compared with $7,304 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,127 to complete the natural resource management program here. Natural Resource Management graduates of Colorado Northwestern Community College earn a median of $56,978 early in their careers. Set against $18,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

University Of Idaho
Moscow, ID

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Idaho earned it the #4 place for natural resource management. Located in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,084 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the natural resource management program here. Soon after graduation, natural resource management degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $42,204. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants.

5

Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Denver, CO

Students looking for strong value in natural resource management will find it at Metropolitan State College Of Denver, which ranked #5. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Students borrow a median of $27,484 to complete the natural resource management program here. Early-career natural resource management graduates make about $44,861. Set against $27,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

6

The University Of Montana
Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana landed the #6 spot for natural resource management value this year. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete the natural resource management program here. Soon after graduation, natural resource management degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $42,654. That is a strong return on a $24,342 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

7

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #7 for value in natural resource management this year. Located in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical student debt for natural resource management graduates is $22,843. Soon after graduation, natural resource management degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $43,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants.

8

University Of Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Denver came in at #8 for value in natural resource management this year. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Natural Resource Management graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. Early-career natural resource management graduates make about $69,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.