2026 Best Value Natural Resource Management Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA

California State University Bakersfield earned the #1 spot for value among natural resource management schools in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,009 ten years after entry. California State University Bakersfield admits about 94% of applicants.

2

Skagit Valley College
Mount Vernon, WA

Skagit Valley College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resource management schools. Skagit Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Mount Vernon. In-state tuition and fees average $5,400, compared with $7,410 for out-of-state students. Natural Resource Management graduates carry a median of $14,056 in student loans. Natural Resource Management graduates of Skagit Valley College earn a median of $44,860 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Green River Community College
Auburn, WA

Green River Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resource management schools. Set in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,711, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.

4

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Hawaii At Manoa earned it the #4 place for natural resource management. Located in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Typical student debt for natural resource management graduates is $19,835. Soon after graduation, natural resource management degree recipients from University Of Hawaii At Manoa generally make around $35,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

A rank of #5 makes California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo one of the best values for natural resource management. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for natural resource management graduates is $20,000. Early-career natural resource management graduates make about $37,126. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

6

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University placed #6 among the best values for natural resource management. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical student debt for natural resource management graduates is $34,429. Early-career natural resource management graduates make about $48,349. Set against $34,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.