2026 Best Value Natural Resource Economics Schools

1

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University earned the #1 spot for value among natural resource economics schools in the United States. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the natural resource economics program here. Natural Resource Economics graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $47,232 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

2

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point one of the best values for natural resource economics. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Typical student debt for natural resource economics graduates is $22,132. Early-career natural resource economics graduates make about $40,553. That is a strong return on a $22,132 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in natural resource economics will find it at University Of Chicago, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the natural resource economics program here. Early-career natural resource economics graduates make about $81,002. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Students looking for strong value in natural resource economics will find it at The University Of Tennessee, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Natural Resource Economics graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Soon after graduation, natural resource economics degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $49,826. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.

5

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oregon State University earned it the #5 place for natural resource economics. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Typical student debt for natural resource economics graduates is $34,429. Natural Resource Economics graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $48,349 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $34,429 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI

University Of Rhode Island landed the #6 spot for natural resource economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. Natural Resource Economics graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career natural resource economics graduates make about $49,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #7 spot for natural resource economics value this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $21,755 to complete the natural resource economics program here. Early-career natural resource economics graduates make about $48,967. Set against $21,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago earned the #8 position for value in natural resource economics this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Natural Resource Economics graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Soon after graduation, natural resource economics degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $58,568. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.