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2027 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in the Great Lakes Region

71 Colleges in the United States
4,106 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$40,867 Avg Early-Career Salary

Natural Resources & Conservation degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their natural resources & conservation programs.

College Factual analyzed 71 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best natural resources & conservation schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall natural resources & conservation education in the Great Lakes Region.

Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1

Leading the list is Northwestern University, our #1 school for natural resources & conservation. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 21 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Northwestern University

2

University Of Chicago came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 46 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Chicago in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Chicago

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Dayton one of the top schools for natural resources & conservation. Set in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit institution. University Of Dayton graduates 80% of students within six years. About 28 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Dayton in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $56,077 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of Dayton

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of Notre Dame one of the top schools for natural resources & conservation. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 14 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $69,494 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $18,625 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Notre Dame

5
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Marquette University in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $60,443 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Marquette University

6

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #6 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. About 93% of students finish within six years. About 357 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $44,256 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $16,577 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

7

Illinois State University earned the #7 position for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. There were roughly 19 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Illinois State University earn around $49,660 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,896. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Illinois State University

8
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University came in at #8 for natural resources & conservation this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cincinnati. Xavier University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 12 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Xavier University in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Xavier University earn a median of $55,045 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,614 to complete this degree. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Xavier University

9

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. About 143 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $41,918 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Indiana University Bloomington

10

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #10 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. About 450 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of Wisconsin Madison earn around $41,040 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Wisconsin Madison

11

University Of Wisconsin Platteville earned the #11 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Platteville. About 61% of students finish within six years. About 21 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Platteville in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $56,998 in their early career. University Of Wisconsin Platteville graduates carry a median of $23,677 in student loans. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at University Of Wisconsin Platteville

12
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #12 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 123 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $43,516 early in their careers. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,559 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Purdue University Main Campus

13

Ohio Northern University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Set in the town of Ada, Ohio Northern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Ohio Northern University graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Ohio Northern University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $56,878 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,661 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Ohio Northern University

14
North Central College crest
North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College came in at #14 for natural resources & conservation this year. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. North Central College awarded about 13 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from North Central College earn around $46,247 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,699. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at North Central College

15

Fox Valley Technical College ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College is a large public university. There were roughly 20 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Fox Valley Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $32,996 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $10,846 to complete this degree. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Fox Valley Technical College

16

Wheaton College Illinois came in at #16 for natural resources & conservation this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Wheaton. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Wheaton College Illinois awarded about 12 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Wheaton College Illinois earn a median of $43,654 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,292. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Wheaton College Illinois

17
Denison University crest
Denison University
Granville, OH

Denison University earned the #17 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Granville. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Denison University awarded about 24 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $36,236 in their early career. Denison University graduates carry a median of $25,360 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Denison University

18

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #18 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. There were roughly 116 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $31,369 early in their careers. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

19

Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #19 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. Bowling Green State University Main Campus awarded about 26 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn around $45,196 in the first couple years of their career. Bowling Green State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $25,998 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Bowling Green State University Main Campus

20
Kenyon College crest
Kenyon College
Gambier, OH

Kenyon College came in at #20 for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the rural area of Gambier, Kenyon College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Kenyon College graduates 82% of students within six years. There were roughly 28 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Kenyon College in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Kenyon College earn a median of $37,976 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,114. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Kenyon College

21

Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #21 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbus. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 273 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Ohio State University Main Campus earn around $36,750 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,083 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Ohio State University Main Campus

22

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Edwardsville. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville awarded about 21 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $54,302 in their early career. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

23

The College Of Wooster landed the #23 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Wooster. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 10 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at The College Of Wooster in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of The College Of Wooster earn a median of $32,382 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,936. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at The College Of Wooster

24

Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a small public school located in the town of Wooster. There were roughly 11 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute earn around $34,898 in the first couple years of their career. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute graduates carry a median of $12,286 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

25
Albion College crest
Albion College
Albion, MI

Albion College came in at #25 for natural resources & conservation this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Albion. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 17 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Albion College in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Albion College earn a median of $40,829 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Albion College

Rest of the Top 50 Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s natural resources & conservation ranking:

26
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Mid State Technical College crest
Mid State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
36
37
38
39
40
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
41
Hocking College crest
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH
42
Oberlin College crest
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
43
Lake Superior State University crest
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI
44
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
45
46
47
48
49
50

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 71 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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