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2024 Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools

263 Colleges in the United States
22,254 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$35,963 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in natural resources conservation is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #49 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 263 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 22,254 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 The conservation program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Natural Resources Conservation rankings. We derive our Best Overall Natural Resources Conservation School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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

Pick Your Natural Resources Conservation Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Conservation
Bachelor's Degrees in Conservation
Master's Degrees in Conservation
Doctor's Degrees in 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. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Natural Resources Conservation in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the conservation degree levels they 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 Conservation

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

Yale University is a good decision for students pursuing a degree in natural resources conservation. Located in the city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were about 150 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from Yale University receive an earnings boost of about $23,526 over the average earnings of natural resources conservation majors.

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

2
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
174 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$48,114 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat Duke University if you want to pursue a degree in natural resources conservation. Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 174 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from Duke University get an earnings boost of approximately $12,151 above the typical earnings of natural resources conservation graduates.

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

3
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$58,733 Median Starting Salary

It's hard to beat Harvard University if you wish to pursue a degree in natural resources conservation. Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 243 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from Harvard University earn a boost of about $22,770 over the average earnings of natural resources conservation graduates.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
604 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$51,358 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in natural resources conservation has to check out University of California - Berkeley. UC Berkeley is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were approximately 604 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources conservation students who get their degree from University of California - Berkeley receive $15,395 more than the average conservation graduate.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
316 Conservation Degrees Awarded
7.3% Growth in Graduates

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 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 316 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available. Those natural resources conservation students who get their degree from Texas A&M University - College Station make $5,297 more than the average conservation graduate.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
310 Conservation Degrees Awarded
14.8% Growth in Graduates

U-M is a very large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 310 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Those natural resources conservation students who get their degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor receive $3,567 more than the typical conservation student.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
83 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$59,243 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 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 $23,280 over the typical earnings of natural resources conservation majors.

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

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
269 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$34,746 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 269 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the conservation program earn around $34,746 in their early career salary.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
444 Conservation Degrees Awarded
0.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 444 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the conservation program make an average of $27,422 in the first couple years of their career.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 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 #26 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 101 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the conservation program earn about $36,898 in their early career salary.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
181 Conservation Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 181 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities get an earnings boost of approximately $3,999 over the average income of natural resources conservation graduates.

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

12
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
32 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 #21 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were about 32 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, conservation degree recipients generally earn about $30,489 in their early careers.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 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 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 154 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the conservation program state that they receive average early career wages of $29,460.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 Conservation Degrees Awarded
17.6% Growth in Graduates

Cornell is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 schools 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 data year. Students who receive their degree from the conservation program make around $29,011 in the first couple years of their career.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
213 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$30,403 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 213 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, conservation degree recipients generally make about $30,403 in the first five years of their career.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Conservation Degrees Awarded
18.8% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 208 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from North Carolina State University earn a boost of approximately $4,598 above the average earnings of natural resources conservation majors.

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

17
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$36,820 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 37 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the conservation program earn around $36,820 for their early career.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
470 Conservation Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Santa Barbara, UCSB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 470 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available. Natural Resources Conservation degree recipients from University of California - Santa Barbara get an earnings boost of about $6,538 over the typical income of natural resources conservation graduates.

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

19
Colby crest
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$37,156 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Waterville, Colby is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 2nd out of 19 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maine.

There were roughly 46 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Colby in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the conservation program state that they receive average early career wages of $37,156.

More information about a degree in natural resources conservation from Colby College

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

University of Virginia is a fairly large public university located in the small suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 141 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, conservation degree recipients generally make about $26,595 at the beginning of their careers.

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

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In GA
28.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 68 schools for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 21 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year.

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

22
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In CO
32 Conservation Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Denver, DU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 33 schools for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were roughly 32 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent year we have data available.

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

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
158 Conservation Degrees Awarded
3.2% Growth in Graduates

Ohio State is a very large public university located in the large city of Columbus. This university ranks 2nd out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 158 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, conservation degree recipients generally make about $34,756 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in natural resources conservation from Ohio State University - Main Campus

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Conservation Degrees Awarded
$34,369 Median Starting Salary

UC Irvine is a fairly large public university located in the city of Irvine. This university ranks 15th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 56 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the conservation program report average early career wages of $34,369.

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

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Conservation Degrees Awarded
4.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Ames, Iowa State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were roughly 101 natural resources conservation students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, conservation degree recipients usually earn an average of $28,217 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in natural resources conservation from Iowa State University

Rest of the Top Best Natural Resources Conservation Schools

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27
SCU crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
28
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
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39
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

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
40 Tufts University Medford, MA
41 University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
42 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
43 Webster University Saint Louis, MO
44 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
45 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO
46 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
47 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
48 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
49 American Public University System Charles Town, WV
50 Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
51 Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO
52 University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CA

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 >

One of 5 majors within the Natural Resources & Conservation area of study, Natural Resources Conservation has other similar majors worth exploring.

Conservation Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Environmental Studies 9,899
Environmental Science 9,274
Natural Resources/Conservation, General 2,834
Natural Resources Conservation & Research, Other 247

View All Conservation Focus Areas >

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

View All Conservation Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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