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

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. Consider whether you prefer a science-heavy or policy-focused track.

Common career paths for environmental science graduates

Environmental Scientist, Conservation Biologist, Sustainability Manager, Climate Policy Analyst, Park Ranger

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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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.