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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in Maine

4 Colleges in the United States
408 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded
$36,693 Avg Early-Career Salary

Natural Resources & Conservation is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools to find the best for natural resources & conservation students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in Maine

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall natural resources & conservation education in Maine.

Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1
Bates College crest
Bates College
Lewiston, ME

Bates College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in natural resources & conservation. Located in the city of Lewiston, Bates College is a small private not-for-profit university. Bates College graduates 90% of students within six years. There were roughly 37 natural resources & conservation students who graduated with this degree at Bates College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $38,437 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,614 to complete this degree. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at Bates College

2
Colby College crest
Colby College
Waterville, ME

Colby College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in natural resources & conservation, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 45 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at Colby College in the most recent year. Graduates of the natural resources & conservation program make about $28,216 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,313 to complete this degree. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Colby College

3

University Of New England came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best natural resources & conservation schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Biddeford. University Of New England graduates 70% of students within six years. University Of New England awarded about 19 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from University Of New England earn around $34,434 in the first couple years of their career. University Of New England graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the natural resources & conservation program at University Of New England

4

University Of Maine is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in natural resources & conservation, ranking #4. This large public university is located in the suburb of Orono. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. University Of Maine awarded about 149 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $42,271. University Of Maine graduates carry a median of $24,228 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Maine

5
Unity College crest
Unity College
New Gloucester, ME

A rank of #5 makes Unity College one of the top schools for natural resources & conservation. Set in the rural area of New Gloucester, Unity College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Unity College graduates 29% of students within six years. Unity College awarded about 145 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from Unity College generally make around $42,334. Unity College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for Unity College

6

University Of Southern Maine came in at #6 for natural resources & conservation this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public institution. University Of Southern Maine graduates 40% of students within six years. University Of Southern Maine awarded about 13 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, natural resources & conservation degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $34,465. Typical student debt for the program is $26,513. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for University Of Southern Maine

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 14 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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