2026 Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

Leading the list is University Of Nevada Las Vegas, our #1 best value for hydrology & water resources science in the Far Western Region. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $16,298 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $41,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

2

Portland State University
Portland, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Portland State University earned it the #2 place for hydrology & water resources science. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for hydrology & water resources science graduates is $24,125. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $37,831. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $47,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara is a great value for students pursuing a degree in hydrology & water resources science, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $21,800 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $30,759 early in their careers. Set against $21,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

5

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State University earned it the #5 place for hydrology & water resources science. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,905 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $33,178. That is a strong return on a $22,905 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

6

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #6 among the best values for hydrology & water resources science. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $16,416 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $43,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

7

University Of Nevada Reno
Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Located in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from University Of Nevada Reno generally make around $39,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants.

8

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University earned the #8 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $39,450. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.