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2027 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in the Southeast Region

109 Colleges in the United States
6,305 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$40,496 Avg Early-Career Salary

Natural Resources & Conservation degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 109 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for natural resources & conservation students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in the Southeast Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the natural resources & conservation degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 school for natural resources & conservation. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. About 231 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Duke University in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Duke University earn a median of $49,677 early in their careers. Duke University graduates carry a median of $11,875 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Duke University

2

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in natural resources & conservation, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public university. About 94% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,323. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

3

Students looking for a strong natural resources & conservation program will find one at University Of Virginia Main Campus, which ranked #3. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 106 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of Virginia Main Campus earn around $51,264 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,952 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at University Of Virginia Main Campus

4
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Students looking for a strong natural resources & conservation program will find one at Wake Forest University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Wake Forest University awarded about 19 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Wake Forest University generally make around $67,369. Wake Forest University graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Wake Forest University

5

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Chapel Hill. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. About 136 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $47,071. Typical student debt for the program is $12,044. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

6

Elon University landed the #6 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elon. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 26 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Elon University earn a median of $50,463 early in their careers. Elon University graduates carry a median of $21,619 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Elon University

7
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond came in at #7 for natural resources & conservation this year. Set in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. University Of Richmond graduates 85% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Richmond in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of Richmond earn around $53,815 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Richmond

8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #8 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Blacksburg. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. About 388 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $59,907. Typical student debt for the program is $22,010. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

9

The University Of Alabama placed #9 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Tuscaloosa. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. About 35 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at The University Of Alabama in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of The University Of Alabama earn a median of $50,740 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,807. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for The University Of Alabama

10
Davidson College crest
Davidson College
Davidson, NC

Davidson College earned the #10 position for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the suburb of Davidson, Davidson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Davidson College graduates 91% of students within six years. There were roughly 21 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Davidson College in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Davidson College earn a median of $41,505 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,906 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Davidson College

11
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #11 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. Florida State University awarded about 153 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Florida State University earn around $30,146 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,979. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Florida State University

12
Clemson University crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #12 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Clemson University awarded about 143 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Clemson University earn around $46,443 in the first couple years of their career. Clemson University graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Clemson University

13
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #13 for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Auburn University awarded about 198 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $51,215. Typical student debt for the program is $20,581. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Auburn University

14

The University Of Tampa landed the #14 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Tampa. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 37 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at The University Of Tampa in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of The University Of Tampa earn a median of $45,401 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,191. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from The University Of Tampa

15
Rhodes College crest
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN

Rhodes College ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Memphis. Rhodes College graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Rhodes College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Rhodes College generally make around $40,807. Students borrow a median of $23,078 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Rhodes College

16

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #16 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 310 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $55,080 early in their careers. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates carry a median of $24,099 in student loans. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from North Carolina State University At Raleigh

17
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University placed #17 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 10 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Belmont University in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $49,699 in their early career. Belmont University graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Belmont University

18

University Of Central Florida came in at #18 for natural resources & conservation this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Orlando. About 78% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 118 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Florida in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $33,700 early in their careers. University Of Central Florida graduates carry a median of $19,709 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Central Florida

19
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida landed the #19 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 339 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of Florida earn around $42,766 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,563. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of Florida

20

Christopher Newport University placed #20 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the city of Newport News, Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public university. Christopher Newport University graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Christopher Newport University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Christopher Newport University earn around $41,656 in the first couple years of their career. Christopher Newport University graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Christopher Newport University

21

University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #21 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tampa. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of South Florida Main Campus awarded about 180 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $36,048. University Of South Florida Main Campus graduates carry a median of $18,840 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for University Of South Florida Main Campus

22

George Mason University earned the #22 position for natural resources & conservation this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. George Mason University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 73 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at George Mason University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $43,038. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $23,021 in student loans. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at George Mason University

23

Kennesaw State University earned the #23 position for natural resources & conservation this year. Kennesaw State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kennesaw. Kennesaw State University graduates 52% of students within six years. About 34 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Kennesaw State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Kennesaw State University earn around $53,824 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,004. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Kennesaw State University

24
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #24 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. University Of Miami awarded about 121 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $41,886 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,750. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of Miami

25

Tulane University Of Louisiana landed the #25 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. Tulane University Of Louisiana graduates 86% of students within six years. About 24 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Tulane University Of Louisiana in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $27,339 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Tulane University Of Louisiana

Rest of the Top 50 Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

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

26
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
36
37
38
39
40
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
41
College Of Charleston crest
College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC
42
43
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

View All Natural Resources & Conservation Rankings >

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 · 109 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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