by our College Data Analytics Team
[Natural Resources & Conservation](/majors/natural-resources-conservation/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 28 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for natural resources & conservation students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in natural resources & conservation, balancing cost against outcomes.
Dabney S Lancaster Community College earned the #1 spot for value among natural resources & conservation schools in Virginia. Located in the rural area of Clifton Forge, Dabney S Lancaster Community College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,022, while out-of-state students pay about $11,460. Median earnings reach $34,293 ten years out.
George Mason University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value natural resources & conservation schools. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,021 to complete the natural resources & conservation program here. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $43,038. That is a strong return on a $23,021 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
A rank of #3 makes Mountain Empire Community College one of the best values for natural resources & conservation. Mountain Empire Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Big Stone Gap. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Typical student debt for natural resources & conservation graduates is $9,036. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Mountain Empire Community College generally make around $36,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for natural resources & conservation. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $32,038 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.
Bridgewater College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in natural resources & conservation, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,090. Students borrow a median of $26,423 to complete the natural resources & conservation program here. Early-career natural resources & conservation graduates make about $38,838. Set against $26,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #6 spot for natural resources & conservation value this year. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical student debt for natural resources & conservation graduates is $13,952. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $51,264. That is a strong return on a $13,952 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #7 among the best values for natural resources & conservation. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for natural resources & conservation graduates is $22,010. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $60,249 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,010 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.
Roanoke College came in at #8 for value in natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the suburb of Salem, Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,068 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the natural resources & conservation program here. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Roanoke College earn a median of $39,588 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Richmond landed the #9 spot for natural resources & conservation value this year. University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of University of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete the natural resources & conservation program here. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of Richmond generally make around $53,815. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 28 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.