2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Schools in Michigan

1

Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in natural resources conservation, no school beat Washtenaw Community College this year. Located in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,736, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $17,616. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Washtenaw Community College earn a median of $45,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt.

2

University Of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Dearborn earned it the #2 place for natural resources conservation. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete the natural resources conservation program here. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $62,536. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.

3

Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI

A rank of #3 makes Lake Superior State University one of the best values for natural resources conservation. Lake Superior State University is a small public school located in the town of Sault Ste Marie. Students from in state pay about $14,890 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $22,429. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $47,910. Set against $22,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

A rank of #4 makes Oakland University one of the best values for natural resources conservation. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $25,171 to complete the natural resources conservation program here. Soon after graduation, natural resources conservation degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $31,201. Set against $25,171 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resources conservation schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $16,577 to complete the natural resources conservation program here. Soon after graduation, natural resources conservation degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $44,256. That is a strong return on a $16,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.

6

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University placed #6 among the best values for natural resources conservation. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the natural resources conservation program here. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $55,469 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.

7

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University earned the #7 position for value in natural resources conservation this year. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Natural Resources Conservation graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $64,652 early in their careers. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

8

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University earned the #8 position for value in natural resources conservation this year. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $29,000. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $28,430. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

9

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resources conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $27,500. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $35,656 early in their careers. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

10

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University came in at #10 for value in natural resources conservation this year. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Natural Resources Conservation graduates carry a median of $24,158 in student loans. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $32,118. That is a strong return on a $24,158 median debt. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.

11

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resources conservation schools. Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Marquette. Students from in state pay about $14,322 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,944 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $24,250. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $26,266. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

12

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #12 for value in natural resources conservation this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical student debt for natural resources conservation graduates is $27,981. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $21,919 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

13

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #13 for value in natural resources conservation this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Natural Resources Conservation graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, natural resources conservation degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $37,170. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

14

Alma College
Alma, MI

Alma College earned the #14 position for value in natural resources conservation this year. Alma College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Alma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,552. Students borrow a median of $27,248 to complete the natural resources conservation program here. Natural Resources Conservation graduates of Alma College earn a median of $42,740 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,248 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

15

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resources conservation schools. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,350. Natural Resources Conservation graduates carry a median of $22,707 in student loans. Early-career natural resources conservation graduates make about $44,220. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.