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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

39 Colleges in the United States
3,176 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$43,273 Avg Early-Career Salary

Natural Resources & Conservation is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 224 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best natural resources & conservation schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall natural resources & conservation education in the Middle Atlantic Region.

Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 ranking of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 171 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $64,831 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,155. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from University Of Pennsylvania

2

Students looking for a strong natural resources & conservation program will find one at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #2. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. Johns Hopkins University awarded about 13 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $84,850 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Johns Hopkins University

3

Pennsylvania College Of Technology is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in natural resources & conservation, ranking #3. Set in the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 19 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania College Of Technology in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Pennsylvania College Of Technology earn a median of $36,719 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,000. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Pennsylvania College Of Technology

4
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in natural resources & conservation, ranking #4. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 95% of students finish within six years. About 10 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Georgetown University in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $79,632 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Georgetown University

5
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in natural resources & conservation, ranking #5. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at New York University in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of New York University earn a median of $64,516 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,897. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from New York University

6

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #6 for natural resources & conservation this year. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 61 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $41,152 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,699 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at University Of Maryland College Park

7

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. About 90 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

8

George Washington University landed the #8 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. George Washington University awarded about 41 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $51,201 early in their careers. George Washington University graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for George Washington University

9
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Bethlehem. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Lehigh University awarded about 14 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $70,321 in their early career. Lehigh University graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Lehigh University

10

Cornell University earned the #10 position for natural resources & conservation this year. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Cornell University awarded about 107 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $41,621. Typical student debt for the program is $16,500. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Cornell University

11
Marist College crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Marist College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Poughkeepsie. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. There were roughly 11 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Marist College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Marist College earn around $60,521 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,962 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Marist College

12
Colgate University crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY

Colgate University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Hamilton. About 91% of students finish within six years. About 37 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Colgate University in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Colgate University earn a median of $41,870 early in their careers. Colgate University graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Colgate University

13

University At Buffalo placed #13 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. About 75% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 41 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at University At Buffalo in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,232. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for University At Buffalo

14

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #14 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Columbia University In The City Of New York awarded about 63 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $62,493. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Columbia University In The City Of New York

15

Rochester Institute Of Technology ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. About 72% of students finish within six years. About 20 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Rochester Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $63,515 early in their careers. Rochester Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $27,491 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Rochester Institute Of Technology

16
Duquesne University crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. About 19 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Duquesne University in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Duquesne University earn a median of $54,826 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Duquesne University

17
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University earned the #17 position for natural resources & conservation this year. Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Villanova. About 92% of students finish within six years. About 36 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Villanova University in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $56,549 in their early career. Villanova University graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Villanova University

18
Hamilton College crest
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY

Hamilton College earned the #18 position for natural resources & conservation this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Clinton. Hamilton College graduates 91% of students within six years. About 25 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Hamilton College in the most recent year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Hamilton College earn a median of $48,806 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,131. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Hamilton College

19
Siena College crest
Siena College
Loudonville, NY

Siena College landed the #19 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. Set in the suburb of Loudonville, Siena College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Siena College in the most recent data year. Natural Resources & Conservation graduates of Siena College earn a median of $44,535 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,656 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Siena College

20
Lafayette College crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA

Lafayette College placed #20 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Easton. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. There were roughly 13 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Lafayette College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Lafayette College generally make around $59,513. Typical student debt for the program is $16,931. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Lafayette College

21

Fordham University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Set in the city of Bronx, Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Fordham University awarded about 33 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Fordham University generally make around $59,403. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in natural resources & conservation from Fordham University

22

University Of Maryland University College came in at #22 for natural resources & conservation this year. University Of Maryland University College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Adelphi. The six-year graduation rate is 20%. University Of Maryland University College awarded about 109 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $55,545 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $10,308 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at University Of Maryland University College

23
Suny Maritime College crest
Suny Maritime College
Throggs Neck, NY

Suny Maritime College placed #23 among the best natural resources & conservation schools. This small public university is located in the city of Throggs Neck. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. About 16 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Suny Maritime College in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $72,491 in their early career. Suny Maritime College graduates carry a median of $24,665 in student loans. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Suny Maritime College

24
Union College New York crest
Union College New York
Schenectady, NY

Union College New York ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. Union College New York is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Schenectady. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Union College New York in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $52,020 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,869 to complete this degree. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Union College New York

25

University Of Rochester landed the #25 spot for natural resources & conservation this year. University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester. About 85% of students finish within six years. About 20 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at University Of Rochester in the most recent year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of Rochester earn around $38,762 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,625 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Rochester

Rest of the Top 50 Natural Resources & Conservation Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s natural resources & conservation ranking:

26
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
27
28
29
Muhlenberg College crest
Muhlenberg College
Allentown, PA
30
31
Mcdaniel College crest
Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD
32
Vassar College crest
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY
33
34
35
Ursinus College crest
Ursinus College
Collegeville, PA
36
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY
37
38
39
St Marys College Of Maryland crest
St Marys College Of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD
40
Drew University crest
Drew University
Madison, NJ
41
42
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
43
44
45
46
47
48
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
49
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
50

Additional Natural Resources & Conservation Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for natural resources & conservation:

Rank School Location
#52 Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for natural resources & conservation:

Narrow Natural Resources & Conservation Schools by State

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 224 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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