2023 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,254 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,254 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  657 reviews

Sophomore: Currently reaching near the middle of my time here, and this school truly works you to the bone. The baseline of this place is that everyone is very smart. Some are decently smart and work hard enough to get in, others come in doing Olympiads from when they were 5 years old. The students are very diverse. Some come in "normal", others finally get to truly express the weird and unique that they've been suppressing their whole lives. The campus is extremely welcoming and you really get to be who you want to be; it's very beautiful. Each dorm has an extant history and culture; you can automatically learn about someone by what dorm they live in. The academics are exceedingly difficult by content and pace. The problem set difficulty are elevated beyond a typical school's, and they force you to collaborate with others. Everyone must collaborate. You're forced to learn time management skills. I was finally able to satisfy my love for learning here. Truly an amazing and unique school!... Read 657 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,020 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,020 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,058 reviews

Niche User: I am currently enrolled as an incoming freshman at Brown University but I have been fortunate to participate in two of their pre-college programs. Overall, the academic resources and opportunities to explore STEM-based passions are incredibly diverse and accessible. The campus has amazing faculty that are engaged in the subject, both in and out of the classroom. They provide insightful feedback and support, especially as I had little experience doing lab work in high school. Outside the classroom, there were countless facilities and events that covered a wide variety of interests. These helped me foster a strong sense of community as I was able to connect with peers of similar likes during these events. I love how interconnected the university is with the larger city of Providence, which makes both professional and recreational engagement more accessible. Lastly, the Brown community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone there was proactive and engaged!... Read 1,058 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,308 reviews

Graduate Student: Columbia's campus is great! As a graduate student, I love seeing the level of diversity within the engineering department and the opportunity to get to learn about everyone's backgrounds! I do wish that classes were taught much better since it seems like professors are just rambling for 2.5 hours and wait for students to blow up Piazza over conceptual and hw questions. I do also wish there was a greater emphasis on publicizing campus activities to graduate students. All in all the student body is incredibly intelligent and hard working!... Read 1,308 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  1,181 reviews

Junior: I think Duke is the perfect balance of academics and leisure. The school spirit is unmatched and something I appreciate. A lot of professors are truly dedicated to their craft and care deeply about the students' and our education. Some professors can be challenging to deal with and not as organized, but there are a lot of resources on campus that are available for students. The food is also amazing compared to other schools, many options.... Read 1,181 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,101 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,101 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  807 reviews

Sophomore: It's what you expect. You don't really go to Harvard to have the most fun, so you create some for yourself. I'm still in the process of figuring out how to do that, but in the meantime, the resources are great (as you'd expect) and, for the most part, the faculty is wonderful. All you really have to do is take advantage. The buildings/landscape could be a lot nicer (for example, lots of the houses have mice, and at least in my dorm's case, administrators don't want to fumigate more than once a year because money and animal rights, apparently). However, I suppose you would expect that from a centuries-old university. Overall, I'd say the experience is what you make it and you get exactly what made you apply, no more, no less.... Read 807 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Princeton, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  458 reviews

Niche User: Visiting Princeton was an incredibly memorable experience from the striking campus to the interactions between students. It was very apparent that students genuinely enjoyed being part of the Princeton community. In terms of academics, Princeton is known to be rigorous and fast-paced so it primarily depends on the student themselves to adopt efficient time management skills and study methods to succeed.... Read 458 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $20,908

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  727 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student athlete and am planning to attend Dartmouth in the fall. What I loved on my visit was the family atmosphere amongst the faculty and the close relationships they had with their students. I believe that it is important to put an emphasis on undergraduate education and Dartmouth does that the best in comparison to any other school in the nation. From an athletic standpoint I feel like Dartmouth has all the tools and facilities to help me achieve my athletic goals. Coming from an institution that gives athletic scholarships, Ivy leagues do not have that availability. I felt like the experiences and relationships that I would build would make it worth it to apply for scholarships online. Thank you!... Read 727 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  718 reviews

Freshman: Choosing Bowdoin was the best decision of my life! They truly value the liberal arts model AND have great STEM programs. care deeply about the student experience. I would recommend it to absolutely any and every student who is looking for a school with incredible academics and amazing peers. The student body is incredibly intelligent and passionate, yet never competitive. Students are also really friendly and there is a true sense of community on campus: when something is wrong, students look after and take care of each other. Bowdoin works very hard to foster both personal and academic growth in its students—one of Bowdoin's most admirable and impactful qualities. I found the classes to be extremely enjoyable. Professors put tons of effort into teaching their classes and make it clear that they really care about you. Academics are challenging yet extremely rewarding. Yes, the food and dorms are actually as great as everyone says they are. Also financial aid is astonishingly generous.... Read 718 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,555 reviews

Junior: An amazing school filled with wonderful people (students, faculty, residents). So many opportunities for students to explore different parts of their education and passion. Great location with a downtown that is always busy with different restaurants, shops, bars, studios, and even the cutest weekend farmers market. At this school you will never be bored- there are always people who want to play sports, go out, go to the gym, study together, etc. I have never been happier. It is such a perfect, fun, exciting, fulfilling school to go to. Not a single bad thing to say (besides maybe that the winters are not the most fun but everything else totally makes up for that). If you love Michigan, you really LOVE Michigan! Wolverine forever. Go blue!... Read 4,555 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,540 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman in the fall and I am extremely excited to attend! I am a recruited soccer player and have already met the entire team and coaches; everyone is so nice and supportive, and I enjoyed touring the school field and brand new athletic facilities with them. WashU also has a very strong Jewish community which is very important to me, and I plan on being an active member of the hillel and chabbad on campus. Finally, I am excited to attend Olin Business School to study finance and continue my passion for complex problem solving in the business world.... Read 1,540 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,380 reviews

Junior: I came in as a transfer from a community college, and my first semester was quite rough. The transition from community college to a 4-year university was not what I was expecting. The courses were more rigorous, the classes were larger in size and had more students in them, and the campus was bigger than I expected. From classes to social life, I was lost. In my second semester, though, everything started to change. I was more comfortable with the campus and made more friends. Changing from Biology to public health was an excellent decision for me, as I got to explore classes that I was interested in. The research opportunities and connections you can make here are endless, and I think is one of the greatest strengths at Hopkins.... Read 1,380 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $20,680

• SAT range 1470-1560

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,328 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,328 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,230 reviews

Sophomore: UChicago certainly lives up to the rumors of its academic rigor but it pays off because each of my classes has been full of highly engaged students excited to study and discuss the material! Unfortunately for students not very very well versed in time-management, the academic work really can take over your life and fulfill the “where fun goes to die” catch-phrase for this school so it requires some serious practice to balance fun and work. In terms of on-campus living, their “Hogwarts” style housing makes for an amazing built-in community even as a freshman. I love living in the dorms and plan to stay through graduation! I’d recommend this college only to students who genuinely enjoy dedicating over 50% of their time to their academics.... Read 1,230 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,034 reviews

Junior: I love the classes they are challenging definitely but I learn a lot I know I will use in my future. Also, the clubs, activities, and events are so much fun. It is so nice to be in a place with like minded individuals. I am a key member of the Christian Club and my faith drives me to excellence.... Read 2,034 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  416 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 416 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  4,339 reviews

Sophomore: As a student at UC Berkeley, I have had an incredible experience overall. The university has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of courses and majors to choose from. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and they often encourage critical thinking and active participation in class. One of the things I like most about UC Berkeley is the vibrant campus community. There are numerous student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities available, allowing students to pursue their interests and connect with like-minded peers. The diversity of the student body enriches the overall experience, as I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.... Read 4,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  3,944 reviews

Senior: The University of Southern California is full of opportunities and activities for students with a wide range of interests. It caters to multiple students and does a great job at making sure everyone feels at home and welcome. I love the diversity of the clubs that are available to join on campus and I also love how the "Trojan Family" lives on in everyone. One thing that I would like to see change is the transparency that is given to students when it comes to the Undergraduate Student Government, especially in terms of funding for organizations. Sometimes the Student government says they have money and the next minute, they are not offering the funding to organizations in need. I think there should be more transparency in this part.... Read 3,944 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,435 reviews

Sophomore: UCLA is amazing. Large student body but the classes and professors are outstanding. Great Greek system and social environment. Very fun school and the campus is gorgeous. Very academically challenging but with hard work and dedication the course load is manageable. The University is surrounded by beautiful cities. It is only 5 miles away from the Santa Monica Beaches. On numerous occasions groups of friends take breaks and have beach days. UCLA is located very close to Beverly Hills and Century City. The dining and entertainment option are endless. As a student you can be immersed in your studies at a gorgeous school in the day and at night explore the amazing nightlife in Los Angeles. UCLA has a ton of clubs, events and activities that you can participate in. In addition, the student resources are fantastic. However, you must be a self-starter and explore and take advantage of all of the opportunities and resources that UCLA offers. And the food is outstanding.... Read 5,435 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,456 reviews

Freshman: Northwestern University is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation--students are involved in multiple extracurricular activities with more than 30% completing double majors. This serves as the perfect playing field for my passions in both medicine and music, as Northwestern provides me the best opportunity to fulfill both of my interests in one place.... Read 1,456 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Middlebury, VT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  520 reviews

Senior: Middlebury's location offers a unique experience to students where you are connected to nature, the community and your studies. I come from a big city, so the remote location terrified me, but I learned how valuable community and environment are through my studies in Middlebury. Professors have been so gracious and understanding throughout my four years, and made higher education so fun and inviting. As a Black person and an international student, I was also nervous about the demographics of Middlebury, but I quickly found my people and have made such strong bonds here. I have felt financially supported, academically challenged, and constantly inspired during my time in Middlebury. The change that I hope to see in Middlebury is and increase in the wages of staff members of the community. The workers here do so much for the community and deserve to be fairly compensated for their it.... Read 520 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,958

• SAT range 1380-1530

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  7,904 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Florida is a great school. There are so many opportunities. There is truly a place for everyone. There are hundreds of clubs, great study abroad opportunities, and I have had so many great teachers in just my freshman year. I do not regret my decision to go to UF. Go gators!... Read 7,904 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,317 reviews

Freshman: While my experience at Penn has been overwhelmingly positive, there are areas that I believe could be improved. One aspect I would like to see change is a greater emphasis on mental health support and resources. College can be a challenging and stressful time for many students, and it is crucial that the university continues to prioritize the well-being of its students by expanding mental health services and promoting a culture of self-care and balance. Additionally, I would love to see more efforts toward fostering inclusivity and diversity on campus. While Penn is home to a diverse student body, it is essential that the university continues to create an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and supported. This includes initiatives that promote diversity in the curriculum, increase the representation of marginalized voices, and provide resources for cultural understanding and dialogue.... Read 1,317 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570