ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools

12 Colleges in the United States
$21,917 Avg Student Debt
$65,985 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Badge [Hydrology & Water Resources Science](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 48 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 40.06), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Geosciences" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Geosciences" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 0 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No ESYOH offers, checking direct offers

Finding the Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science School for You

The hydrology & water resources science program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. That is why we developed our Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

See how we build our rankings

Customize Your Rankings

We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Hydrology & Water Resources Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Hydrology & Water Resources Science
Master's Degrees in Hydrology & Water Resources Science
Doctorate Degrees in Hydrology & Water Resources Science

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 40.06), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Geosciences" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Geosciences" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 0 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No ESYOH offers, checking direct offers
ADBLOCK #171

2026 Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in hydrology & water resources science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Hydrology & Water Resources Science Schools

1

For return on investment in hydrology & water resources science, no school beat University Of Wyoming this year. University Of Wyoming is a large public school located in the town of Laramie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,700 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of Wyoming earn a median of $45,758 early in their careers. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in hydrology & water resources science will find it at University Of Nevada Las Vegas, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Typical student debt for hydrology & water resources science graduates is $16,298. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $41,963. That is a strong return on a $16,298 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

Students looking for strong value in hydrology & water resources science will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $49,446 early in their careers. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

Utah State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in hydrology & water resources science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical student debt for hydrology & water resources science graduates is $16,191. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

5

Eastern Washington University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $47,144. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Portland State University earned the #6 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $37,831. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

7

University Of California Santa Barbara earned the #7 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,800 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $30,759. Set against $21,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of California Davis earned the #8 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $16,416 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $43,462 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,416 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

9

Washington State University earned the #9 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $22,905 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $33,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

10

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #10 for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Located in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of Nevada Reno earn a median of $39,553 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

ADBLOCK #115
11

University Of Arizona landed the #11 spot for hydrology & water resources science value this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $51,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

12

East Carolina University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $44,961 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

13

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $21,700 in student loans. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $44,825. That is a strong return on a $21,700 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

14

Georgia State University came in at #14 for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $46,337 early in their careers. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

15

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best values for hydrology & water resources science. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $41,156 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Western Michigan University earned the #16 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $48,966 early in their careers. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

17

Illinois State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $49,660. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

18

Oregon State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $39,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.

19

Boise State University earned the #19 position for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Set in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $27,299 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of Boise State University earn a median of $31,701 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,299 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

20

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #20 among the best values for hydrology & water resources science. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $16,487 in student loans. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $42,062. That is a strong return on a $16,487 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Rhode Island placed #21 among the best values for hydrology & water resources science. University Of Rhode Island is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kingston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of Rhode Island earn a median of $52,821 early in their careers. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants.

22

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value hydrology & water resources science schools. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for hydrology & water resources science graduates is $20,837. Soon after graduation, hydrology & water resources science degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $57,562. Set against $20,837 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

23

University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #23 for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Located in the town of Durham, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates carry a median of $26,368 in student loans. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of New Hampshire Main Campus earn a median of $52,064 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus admits about 88% of applicants.

24

Colorado School Of Mines came in at #24 for value in hydrology & water resources science this year. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the hydrology & water resources science program here. Early-career hydrology & water resources science graduates make about $79,523. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

25
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best values for hydrology & water resources science. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for hydrology & water resources science graduates is $16,155. Hydrology & Water Resources Science graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/hydrology-and-water-resources-science/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 40.06), keeping min_relevance at 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.7
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.6

ADBLOCK #173
View All Rankings >

Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Hydrology & Water Resources Science. See all related rankings.

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 48 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options