Best Colleges for Environmental Science in 2025–26

30 colleges with strong environmental science programs, ranked by size and selectivity.

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

41.8% acceptance$16,774 in-state

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

78.1% acceptance$15,666 in-state

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR

88.3% acceptance$16,137 in-state

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

87.9% acceptance$15,912 in-state

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH

80% acceptance$19,842 in-state

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

93.3% acceptance$9,582 in-state

Portland State University

Portland, OR

90.9% acceptance$11,679 in-state

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Durham, NH

88.2% acceptance$19,202 in-state

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL

58.2% acceptance$6,360 in-state

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA

90.5% acceptance$15,623 in-state

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX

88.6% acceptance$9,748 in-state

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID

75.5% acceptance$9,084 in-state

California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA

97.4% acceptance$7,779 in-state

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

71.5% acceptance$10,568 in-state

Unity Environmental University

New Gloucester, ME

$12,640 in-state

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX

90.5% acceptance$7,770 in-state

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA

98.2% acceptance$8,250 in-state

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

Bothell, WA

90.6% acceptance$12,919 in-state

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA

94.8% acceptance$7,159 in-state

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ

70.6% acceptance$16,777 in-state

SUNY Oneonta

Oneonta, NY

69.6% acceptance$8,831 in-state

State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY

78.4% acceptance$9,035 in-state

Nevada State University

Henderson, NV

86.8% acceptance$6,765 in-state

Lake Tahoe Community College

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$1,131 in-state

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT

81.7% acceptance$11,952 in-state

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA

79.8% acceptance$14,640 in-state

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH

87.5% acceptance$14,626 in-state

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, WA

$5,115 in-state

Mendocino College

Ukiah, CA

$1,423 in-state

Community College of Vermont

Montpelier, VT

$6,920 in-state

About environmental science as a major

Environmental Science is a fast-growing interdisciplinary major that combines biology, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, and increasingly policy and economics. Demand for environmental specialists is projected to grow 6% through 2032 — driven by climate policy, corporate ESG reporting, environmental compliance, conservation work, and renewable energy build-out. The major splits roughly into two camps: science-heavy programs (fieldwork, lab analysis, biology/chemistry foundation) and policy/management-focused programs (closer to environmental studies, with more public policy and economics). Both feed into different careers — the science track leads to research, EPA work, consulting, and PhD pathways; the policy track leads to government, NGO, corporate sustainability, and law school. Geographic information systems (GIS) skills are increasingly required across both tracks, and graduates with strong data/quantitative chops earn more than those without.

Salary range

$50,000 – $65,000 starting; $80,000-$110,000 mid-career in consulting; ESG roles at large corporations $90,000-$130,000+

Study path

4-year BS in Environmental Science. Core: ecology → environmental chemistry → biology/geology → statistics → GIS → field methods → senior research project. Many students continue to MS or PhD for research roles; law school pathway also common for environmental law.

How to choose a environmental science program

Look for programs with field research opportunities, GIS training, and partnerships with environmental agencies. Proximity to diverse ecosystems (coasts, forests, deserts) provides hands-on learning advantages — schools in California, Florida, Washington, and Colorado have particularly strong field-station access. Consider whether you prefer a science-heavy track (degrees called Environmental Science or Environmental Biology — better for research/PhD path) or a policy-focused track (Environmental Studies or Environmental Policy — better for NGO/government work). Schools with student-run sustainability programs, climate-action commitments, and undergraduate research opportunities at field stations are strong signals.

Common career paths for environmental science graduates

Environmental Scientist, Conservation Biologist, Sustainability Manager, Climate Policy Analyst, Park Ranger, Environmental Consultant, GIS Analyst, Marine Biologist, EPA Specialist, Corporate ESG Analyst, Environmental Engineer

Real careers, real salaries

See all →
Environmental Scientist$79K
+6% by 2032
Research Scientist$95K
+7% by 2032

Scholarships for environmental science students

There are scholarships specifically for students studying environmental science. Search our database to find awards you qualify for.

Find environmental science scholarships →
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Last updated: November 2025. Live acceptance rates and tuition pulled from each college's most recent reporting.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.