2026 Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in North Dakota

Natural Resources & Conservation programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best natural resources & conservation schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools in North Dakota

Best Schools for Natural Resources & Conservation in North Dakota

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

Top Schools in Natural Resources & Conservation

1

Valley City State University
Valley City, ND

Associate's Degree Highest Degree Type

22 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded

$44,253 Median Starting Salary

No school ranked higher than Valley City State University this year for natural resources & conservation. Located in the town of Valley City, Valley City State University is a mid-sized public university. Valley City State University graduates 53% of students within six years. Valley City State University awarded about 22 natural resources & conservation degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from Valley City State University earn around $44,253 in the first couple years of their career. Valley City State University graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. See the full natural resources & conservation program report for Valley City State University

2

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

27 Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees Awarded

$40,971 Median Starting Salary

Students looking for a strong natural resources & conservation program will find one at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 27 natural resources & conservation degrees were awarded at North Dakota State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their natural resources & conservation degree from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn around $40,971 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full natural resources & conservation details for North Dakota State University Main Campus

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 10 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.