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2024 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

269 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.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 269 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 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 difficult to beat Yale University if you want to pursue a degree in natural resources & conservation. Located in the city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were approximately 150 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at Yale University make $24,331 above the typical college grad in this field 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 country for getting a degree in natural resources & conservation. Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized 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 258 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from Harvard University make $23,575 more than the typical 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

Every student who is interested in natural resources & conservation needs to look into Duke University. Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 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 year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation program at Duke University make $12,956 more than the standard 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 #18 out of 2,217 schools 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 earn $16,201 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 California - Berkeley

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

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

There were approximately 312 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Natural Resources & Conservation degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor get an earnings boost of about $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 fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 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 year we have data available. Natural Resources & Conservation degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York receive an earnings boost of approximately $24,085 over the average 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 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 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 major at University of Denver get $29,597 above the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

8
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 very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 115 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 data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients typically make about $33,549 in their early careers.

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

9
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 very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

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

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

10
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 approximately 333 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation program at North Carolina State University make $10,203 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

11
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 13th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 370 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent data year. After graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients generally make around $30,105 at the beginning of their careers.

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

12
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 medium-sized 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 schools 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 report average early career income of $30,489.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$29,460 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 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 natural resources & 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 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
17.6% Growth in Graduates

Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 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 report average early career income of $29,011.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
245 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$40,033 Median Starting Salary

Located in the 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 about 245 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from University of Washington - Seattle Campus earn $4,876 more than the standard natural resources & conservation grad.

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

16
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 #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 491 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients generally earn about $24,435 in the first five years of their career.

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

17
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 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 237 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the natural resources & conservation program make an average of $35,869 in their early career salary.

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

18
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 large city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a 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 graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program report average early career wages of $36,820.

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

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
470 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize suburb of Santa Barbara, UCSB is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 168 colleges 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 data year. Those natural resources & conservation students who get their degree from University of California - Santa Barbara receive $7,343 more than the typical natural resources & conservation grad.

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

20
Colby crest
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Natural Resources & 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 schools for overall quality in the state of Maine.

There were about 46 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Colby in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, natural resources & conservation degree recipients typically earn about $37,156 at the beginning of their careers.

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

21
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. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 141 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia 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 earnings of $26,595.

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

22
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 city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. This school ranks 2nd out of 63 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 data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation degree program at Virginia Tech make $3,864 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$34,369 Median Starting Salary

UC Irvine is a very 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 data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the natural resources & conservation program state that they receive average early career wages of $34,369.

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

24
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 schools for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were roughly 108 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the natural resources & conservation program at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus get $5,978 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

25
SCU crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
10.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Santa Clara, SCU is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 12th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 46 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at SCU in the most recent data year. After graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients typically earn about $33,333 at the beginning of their careers.

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

Rest of the Top Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

26
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
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38
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
39
40
Webster crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

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 University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
42 Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO
43 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
44 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
45 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO
46 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
47 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
48 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
49 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
50 University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CA
51 American Public University System Charles Town, WV
52 American University Washington, DC
53 University of Delaware Newark, DE

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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