2026 Best Value Conservation Biology Master’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #1 spot for value among conservation biology schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for conservation biology graduates is $24,000. Conservation Biology graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $56,395 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of West Alabama
Livingston, AL

University Of West Alabama came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value conservation biology schools. Set in the rural area of Livingston, University Of West Alabama is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,990 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. Conservation Biology graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. Conservation Biology graduates of University Of West Alabama earn a median of $53,270 early in their careers. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.

3

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia University In The City Of New York earned it the #3 place for conservation biology. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Conservation Biology graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Conservation Biology graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $78,660 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Syracuse, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry earned it the #4 place for conservation biology. Located in the city of Syracuse, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 63%.

5

Unity College
New Gloucester, ME

Unity College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in conservation biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the rural area of New Gloucester, Unity College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,640. Conservation Biology graduates carry a median of $27,083 in student loans. Soon after graduation, conservation biology degree recipients from Unity College generally make around $36,144. That is a strong return on a $27,083 median debt.

6

University Of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value conservation biology schools. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Conservation Biology graduates carry a median of $26,798 in student loans. Conservation Biology graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $32,882 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

7

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value conservation biology schools. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical student debt for conservation biology graduates is $25,000. Conservation Biology graduates of Boston University earn a median of $70,479 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

8

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology placed #8 among the best values for conservation biology. Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Melbourne. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. Students borrow a median of $32,114 to complete the conservation biology program here. Conservation Biology graduates of Florida Institute Of Technology earn a median of $69,878 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,114 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

9

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University placed #9 among the best values for conservation biology. Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete the conservation biology program here. Conservation Biology graduates of Tufts University earn a median of $55,795 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.