2017 Best Colleges for Environmental Science

782 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
1,090
1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Sophomore: I've really enjoyed Stanford so far.
Academics are certainly challenging, but rewarding, and students usually aren't excessively stressed about grades.
Professors are, for the most part, incredibly knowledgeable and care about students, but there are some (particularly those teaching intro classes) who could use some improvement.
The local area can be a bit expensive and far away (especially without a car).
Currently, the administration is facing a lot of criticism about the school's handling of sexual assault. It's not the best situation, but a lot of the criticism also comes from Stanford's own professors and students, so I do still feel relatively safe and supported on campus.
Read 1,090 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
5% Acceptance Rate
$17,952 Net Price
1380-1570 SAT Range
Harvard University
4 Year
Cambridge, MA
621
2 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
Read 621 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
6% Acceptance Rate
$15,095 Net Price
1410-1600 SAT Range
Columbia University
4 Year
New York, NY
1,085
3 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Graduate Student: I am currently enrolled in graduate school at the prestigious Columbia University. I am impressed with the level of diversity at Columbia. There is a majority minority. Most of my seminars are comprised of Asian, Indian students I myself am typically the only African American student. I believe that Columbia truly wants their students to thrive. They bring in some of the best professors from the corporate world. For instances in one of my courses I have three different professors. Each have a very different perspective and method of teaching. I will say that I am disappointed that there are not more scholarships available to graduate students; I am working a full-time job in addition to taking a full course load so that I can graduate in a two year span and pay for school. Mind you I have a 3.8 G.P.A I believe that their should be some source of funding other than loans for students in my situation.
Read 1,085 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
7% Acceptance Rate
$20,838 Net Price
1390-1570 SAT Range
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Duke University
4 Year
Durham, NC
1,007
4 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: If you aren't entirely decided on what you want to study, or want to combine two fields that don't seem to fit, Duke is the best school available to you. The flexible pathway through Duke is one of its best features, and it guarantees there's something academic for nearly everyone here. Not to mention everything that goes on outside of academics. Whether you're a performance artist, coder, engineer, service-learner, researcher, intense athlete, or a just for fun one, there's a place for you here. If you're anything at all, and looking to challenge yourself, then come to Duke!
Read 1,007 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
11% Acceptance Rate
$21,764 Net Price
1370-1550 SAT Range
Yale University
4 Year
New Haven, CT
914
5 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: Yale managed to exceed my expectations. I originally chose Yale because of how genuine every student I met was and that perception continues to persist. I have met the most interesting and talented people while at Yale and have made some of the closest friends. One moment we'll be discussing a bio problem set, the next discussing the real solution to economic disparity, the next talking about our upbringings. While it's easy to think of Yale as a competitive college, I think that's far from the truth. I have never collaborated as much as I have at Yale. Everyone wants the best for each other and grades are not a focus. The social scene at Yale is also great. Frat parties are open to anyone for the most part and it's very easy to get integrated with Greek life members even if you aren't in it yourself. Just based off of the year I've been here, I can already say that Yale has changed me to be a more well-rounded person.
Read 914 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
6% Acceptance Rate
$19,317 Net Price
1410-1600 SAT Range
Washington University in St. Louis
4 Year
Saint Louis, MO
1,323
6 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: WUSTL is a fantastic university! I first came here because of the prestigious pre-med program, comfy dorms, yummy food, beautiful campus, and great FA. I found all of those here to be true. My experience truly has been an excellent one. Although the academics are undoubtedly challenging, it is equally rewarding.
Read 1,323 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$33,374 Net Price
1420-1570 SAT Range
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University of Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
1,106
7 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
College Sophomore: My experience at UChicago so far has been wonderful! There is such a variety of courses to choose from, and so many interesting majors are available. All of the courses are respectable and worth taking. The professors and TA's are all very experienced in their fields, and are very passionate about what they're teaching. The Core classes are usually taught in lecture halls, but also have classes periods that are broken up into smaller groups (during discussion). Other classes can have as few as five students, like my Yucatec Maya class, which allows students to have awesome conversations with their professors and TA's.
Read 1,106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$34,352 Net Price
1435-1600 SAT Range
Bowdoin College
4 Year
Brunswick, ME
639
8 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: Whether its the Outing Club, the Literary Magazine, the Film Society, or an a Capella group, there is always something for every kind of person to get involved in. Also, people here are incredibly friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you. Bowdoin's size, with 1700 students, really enables this sense of community. If I could change one thing about Bowdoin, I would offer class credit for laboratory time. Also , this is just my wish , but I think Bowdoin should advertise more to the outside world. I grew up overseas, so most of my other friends had not heard of Bowdoin, or Brunswick for that matter. I can understand that I was surprised that not many people in United States knew about this school either. The social scene is great on the weekends, but for the most part exists only on the weekends as people work very hard during the week. As for food, you can guess exactly how delicious it is from just taking a peek at the NYtimes article and the college rankings.
Read 639 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
15% Acceptance Rate
$22,289 Net Price
1360-1510 SAT Range
Brown University
4 Year
Providence, RI
918
9 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
College Freshman: Professors, even in large lecture classes, are always approachable and friendly. They are open to extensions when asked and even small talk. However, with the amount of time you have with each professor (this also depends on the size of the class) it's unlikely for you to become very friendly with any teachers throughout college unless you take initiative.

Classes can range from 7 people to 200. There are a variety of options, usually intro classes are big while seminars, language classes, and specific topic classes are smaller. With large classes there is an immense amount of TAs that are always available to help. They also run review/discussion sections to allow students to ask specific questions and get advice from experts who already aced the class.

Most classes, in the humanities, make you do a lot of reading, have a smaller discussion section, and then 2-4 big assignments like midterms, finals, essays, take home exams, etc.

The variety of courses speaks for itself. There are too many choices and they are all interesting!
Read 918 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$21,193 Net Price
1330-1550 SAT Range
College of William & Mary
4 Year
Williamsburg, VA
1,363
10 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Niche User: AMAZING PROFESSORS - BEAUTIFUL SCHOOL - VERY BAD HOUSING!

Absolutely beautiful and small, manageable campus and college. Williamsburg is a lovely place too. Professors are passionate and truly amazing, and the curriculum/class choices/education - equally amazing. Students are also not subject to being taught by graduate students.

Most dorms are really bad though especially the ones the freshman are put in, many without air conditioning. Housing selection is disorganized and favors the university and not the student. Their screening process to match roommates needs significant updating.

Not easy or cheap to get to the airport in spite of how simple they make it sound especially for those without cars and/or out of state students. Connections are not great either (avoid Norfolk airport).

W&M not helpful to out of state students. Like the extra $ but tuned into more of the in state students or ones from states nearby. It's time W&M goes back to being private.
Read 1,363 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
33% Acceptance Rate
$12,406 Net Price
1270-1470 SAT Range
University of Pennsylvania
4 Year
Philadelphia, PA
1,108
11 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Graduate Student: Like any colleges, Penn has both pros and cons. As a graduate student in the School of Social Policy and Practice at Penn (Master's of Social Work), I find that the biggest strength of Penn is its wide reach of professional network, research, etc.

The amount of resources/networking opportunities available for developing insight, experience, and others is unimaginable here at Penn. Having deep connections with all three sectors of the non-profit, for-profit, and governmental world brings its students enormous opportunities and information/knowledge to learn and grow from.

The cons, however, is that Penn as a whole seems a bit lacking in terms of student activism and engagement. There are clubs to join. But, I rarely see them out in the quad or the walkway outreaching or being vocal about a variety of issues students are concerned with in this age and time.
Read 1,108 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
10% Acceptance Rate
$22,694 Net Price
1360-1550 SAT Range
University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,324
12 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Sophomore: I love attending the University of Southern California! The school has high caliber academics, a competitive yet fun environment for students of all majors, and a gorgeous campus. USC is a bit expensive however, hardworking students can come in with large scholarships to defray this cost. I definitely think that this experience is worth the cost of living and expenses out here and will truly pay off in the end. I have definitely met life long friends and have made unforgettable memories throughout my time here!
Read 3,324 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
18% Acceptance Rate
$31,189 Net Price
1280-1480 SAT Range
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Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
349
13 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Junior: Pomona's largest assets are not its $2b endowment, its buildings, or its location, but rather its people. Here, some of the world's most inquisitive, interesting, and downright intelligent students come together in the pursuit of knowledge and with the intention of changing the world. Professors care deeply about students and are some of the most well-regarded in their fields, a rare combination that allows for students to do meaningful work and learn from people who love to teach, never a teacher's assistant. The admitted class of 2021 is made up of 56.7% domestic students of color, plus 11.4% international students, making Pomona's the most diverse campus in the country.
Read 349 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
12% Acceptance Rate
$19,205 Net Price
1380-1540 SAT Range
University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,013
14 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: I love the University of Virginia! Grounds are beautiful, and so many interesting classes are offered. I am going to double major in music and bio/neuroscience, and there are so many options available to me. The student body is very large and so anyone can find a group of people they love and fit in with. The classes and professors are great, and I will agree that there are many reasons why UVA is highly esteemed.
Read 2,013 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
29% Acceptance Rate
$14,069 Net Price
1250-1460 SAT Range
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
2,130
15 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Alum: UNC Chapel Hill - the name rings familiarity across the nation. A part of one of the biggest college basketball rivals, a leader in NC healthcare, and known for the specificity of "Carolina blue," UNC is a treasure. Nostalgia hits me every time I return: the campus is beautiful, the students are all on their way to achieving greatness, and the professors genuinely care about what goes on in their the students' minds. Diversity is not that high - as probably 60% of the students want to become doctors and nurses. The racial diversity is representative of the statistics in America. The culture diversity, however, is rather high and incorporating of all activities that I can think of. Overall, a fantastic institution!
Read 2,130 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
28% Acceptance Rate
$10,936 Net Price
1220-1420 SAT Range
University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
5,388
16 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Junior: I love being a student at the University of Texas. It is one of the most renowned public education institutions in the world, and has plenty of activities to be involved in outside of academia. There are countless clubs and organizations on campus, and the surrounding city of Austin is one the best places in the country. However, be warned: it may not be for everyone. With around 50,000+ students, the size can be intimidating to some. I personally enjoy the incredible amount of people I can meet and study with, and the size gives me a nice perspective. There is always something going on on campus; whether it's a basketball game, club fair, jam session, food stand, party - you name it - there is always something close to keep you occupied. Being a musician, living in Ausin and attending UT is the best college experience I could've asked for. Come to UT. Hook 'em Horns!
Read 5,388 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
40% Acceptance Rate
$16,832 Net Price
1170-1410 SAT Range
Carleton College
4 Year
Northfield, MN
467
17 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: The school has an incredibly open community; cliques are fluid and almost anyone is welcome and can feel comfortable sitting with any group. Dining hall food is great, although there are few good restaurants in the area. Classes are fantastic and the trimester system works very well for people who live far away (winter break extends from before thanksgiving to after new years). In addition, the trimester system allows students to fit three academic terms into one year while focusing more intensely on less during those terms, all the while still leaving room for a long winter break.
The biggest downside for me is that students seem less individual and more self-effacing than some other similar liberal arts colleges.
Read 467 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$32,017 Net Price
1320-1510 SAT Range
University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
2,828
18 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: There is something for everyone! The University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts a lot of offerings, not only in academics but in all sorts of opportunities from amazing athletic programs to a myriad of clubs to get into. To the sports enthusiast, UW-Madison has athletic programs in football, ice hockey, and basketball which are renowned regionally, if not also nationally. To the grade-A active student, UW-Madison is also a mecca of infinite opportunities, it is even somewhat of a challenge for any student to navigate the "Org Fair" which displays the many student organizations that are available on campus. Organizations are available for students who are the soon-to-be titans of energy and even for the ones who are almost certainly going to be the consulting executives of the future. No matter what you want to get yourself into, there is always something for you in the land of the Badgers.
Read 2,828 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$16,131 Net Price
1180-1400 SAT Range
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
3,786
19 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Senior: The education that you receive here is definitely unbeatable. The campus is also a generally fun place to be. It is really competitive so that permeates the culture quite a bit, which I could do without. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is lacking, but they are making steps to change that going forward so I hope that there will be more positive steps in that area. You don't really get a sense of the local area because the campus is so large it really dominates the city of Ann Arbor. So, even when you venture out in the city a bit, it still feels like you're on campus. It's just very much a college town, so if you're into that, you'll love it!
Read 3,786 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$15,850 Net Price
1280-1480 SAT Range
Cornell University
4 Year
Ithaca, NY
1,726
20 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
College Junior: My experience at Cornell had been a whirlwind of endless opportunities. It has absolutely had it's ups and downs, with times where the stress and fast pace of classes seems to be unbearable, but usually when that happens a break was right around the corner and there was time to catch up. All the students at this school, from the engineers to the Hotelies, are used to being the top of their class in high school. It takes some getting used to learn that not everyone can be the best at this university.

That being said, Cornell can offer you the change to truly impact the world in whatever field you pursue. Your plant science degree with lead to cutting edge research, your business major with give you connections others need years to build and your engineering degree will give you your choice of career straight out of college. But that diploma does not come easy, you will have to work relentlessly for four years to earn it (five years if you're studying architecture!).

Looking back to choosing this university my senior year of high school, I wouldn't change a thing. My experience has been far from perfect: I've experienced failure just like the rest of my peers. I'm not, however, the same person I was in high school and this is a good thing. Cornell has changed me for the better and I highly recommend you let it do the same to you!
Read 1,726 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$28,537 Net Price
1330-1510 SAT Range
Northwestern University
4 Year
Evanston, IL
1,247
21 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Alum: I attended Northwestern because of the music program and the professor I would be working with. My professor was amazing, and so was the music program as a whole. I was able to pursue a double major with an outside field, and while it was difficult and busy, the administration helped me every quarter by allowing me to take extra classes to finish on time. The campus is beautiful, but there is always construction. It is not a huge party school, but there are parties and lots of other ways to have fun. I loved the proximity to Chicago and the public transit system. Overall, I liked the student body. There was a general hard work ethic, and though my majors weren't particularly competitive, I know there were some that were fairly cut-throat. The mental health services can be improved upon, but I felt that NU was a very accepting, diverse, and progressive school overall. Financial aid was great, and getting better!
Read 1,247 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
13% Acceptance Rate
$28,667 Net Price
1390-1560 SAT Range
Middlebury College
4 Year
Middlebury, VT
465
22 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: As a freshman in college who is in his second trimester at Middlebury College, I can say I made the right decision. The school is great and the academics are superb. Be prepared to do lots of work and many late nights, but by the end of the semester, you feel accomplished. The teachers are great and everyone is really friendly. Now, to give the real truth on how it is to be a person of color on campus. As a person of color, you may feel alone. There is very little diversity on campus, the majority being predominately white, and you may feel like you stand out. However, majority of people are accepting of anyone no matter race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc...and I have never felt unsafe on middlebury campus and it really is a great community. If you going to Middlebury, be ready for heavy course load, bad Atwater parties (you will understand) and meeting friends that will last you a life time!
Read 465 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$20,903 Net Price
1260-1470 SAT Range
University of California - Davis
4 Year
Davis, CA
4,053
23 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: UC Davis has a beautiful campus, and is one of the best to come to when you are interested in agricultural/environmental sciences because of all the hands-on experience available. There are many opportunities for involvement through volunteer work, clubs and internships, and plenty of resources for help, such as the Dean's office, major advising, and fellow students. Academic wise, classes will be difficult no matter where you go, and Davis is no exception, so my advice is don't give up (tutoring services available). Time management is big since quarters pass by so quickly, so stay organized.
Choosing a college that is a "perfect fit" is difficult, so I feel visiting for a tour is a great way to get a feel for the campus vibe (Davis is big on bikes due to the large campus). Researching what majors they have to offer, location, and anything else you find important for your college experience is also great way to start. Good luck finding your match whether or not it is at UC Davis!
Read 4,053 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
40% Acceptance Rate
$16,231 Net Price
1070-1340 SAT Range
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,420
24 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: The first thing that comes to mind is the housing here at UCLA. I was lucky enough to receive one of the better, newer buildings, so my experience here has been great. The study and social lounges are equipped with new, comfortable furniture and lights that turn on and off depending on the amount of activity in the room it reads. The food is great. We have restaurants similar to Panda Express and Chipotle, and they are right below my building so it's not much of a walk at all!
Additionally, there are resources all around campus that are noticeably accessible to me, such as math tutoring from fraternities/sororities, counseling programs, clubs and activities that offer social circles, essay reviewers, and so on.
Read 4,420 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
19% Acceptance Rate
$12,510 Net Price
1190-1460 SAT Range
Whitman College
4 Year
Walla Walla, WA
342
25 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
Freshman: The academic side of the school is pretty solid and prepares the students well for their future. However, the social life lacks because people are not very interesting and diverse. There is an immense lack of diversity and all around the campus you mostly see white people. For those that like diversity, it will be hard to find their place in this school. Also, students are not very politically or socially engaged. Nevertheless, there is a cool vibe in campus and people are quite chill.
Read 342 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
41% Acceptance Rate
$33,788 Net Price
1200-1430 SAT Range

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2017 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

Harvard University

Columbia University

Duke University

Yale University

Washington University in St. Louis

University of Chicago

Bowdoin College

Brown University

College of William & Mary

University of Pennsylvania

University of Southern California

Pomona College

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Texas - Austin

Carleton College

University of Wisconsin

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Cornell University

Northwestern University

Middlebury College

University of California - Davis

University of California - Los Angeles

Whitman College