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2019 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Environmental Science ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top colleges for earth sciences, geology, forestry, meteorology, and climatology. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Environmental Science
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  1. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,147 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
    Read 1,147 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,056 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,056 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 684 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: I just finished my first year at Harvard. I had a rocky transition at first, but I am really loving it! The professors and TFs I have had are all really friendly and accessible, and there is an endless list of classes that I want to take. Conversations with peers are really thought-provoking and deep. You can find so many great communities through different activities, and there are so many great people on campus. Even as a freshman, I have been offered so many unique opportunities that I know come from Harvard's resources. I never thought it could, but Harvard has really become my home this year.
    Read 684 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Wheaton College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • Norton, MA
    • 614 reviews

    Senior: Wheaton College MA is truly my dream school. It is expensive, but we are good about providing need and merit based financial aid. Due to the size of the school, students are able to get one on one attention from professors throughout their 4 year experience. The facilities are expansive for each major, and we have a rapidly growing psychology and business department in particular. Additionally, the support system that you find here on a social basis is extensive and truly makes me feel loved and appreciated. Each professor is remarkably passionate about their subject matter and that energy is transferable to the staff and students. Speaking of the staff, those who work in the dining halls and on maintenance are kind and welcoming. We do not have greek life on campus. Regardless of this, we have a ton of things going on on campus every day. The location is also awesome if you don't mind public transportation or if you have a car. Please come visit Wheaton College MA!
    Read 614 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,814 Net Price
    • 1150-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 959 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: I really like the online courses from Yale University, you can choose btw a lot of different subjects and get smarter.
    And the proffessors are amazing!
    This university changed me a lot. Not only do I feel like an expert in my area of study, but I have been taught to write and speak in a much more compelling way than ever before. The university is very conducive to fostering strong friendships among undergrads. I have close networks of friends that I could not have formed elsewhere
    Read 959 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 675 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: So glad I chose to come to Bowdoin! A very close community where people treat each other with kindness and are excited to learn from their peers. Quality of life is great, with great dorms, food and surrounding area. Classes are challenging but there is very little competitiveness and lots of support for students academically. For a small liberal arts school, there is a very healthy and fun social life.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,165 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Graduate Student: I really feel included as a member of the Columbia family! There are numerous useful resources for you to explore, either student organizations to meet new people, on-campus job opportunities, concern for student safety, etc. I love the university on being clear of the steps of everything you are going to be involved, quick in response, and the people being friendly.
    Read 1,165 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Middlebury College

    • 4 Year
    • Middlebury, VT
    • 485 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Attending Middlebury College, which attracts students from all over the world, has allowed me to interact with students and professors of numerous nationalities and ethnicities. I have met students that represent six continents. The opportunity to connect with students from around the globe has fostered my understanding of different cultural viewpoints and encouraged my curiosity in learning about unique perspectives through respectful discourse. However, I would love to see more socioeconomic diversity represented at Middlebury; many students come from wealthy backgrounds, so the student body does not represent true economic diversity.
    Read 485 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,841 Net Price
    • 1320-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,152 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: A great experience! Definitely rigorous and not for the faint of heart. Academically excellent, fantastic research opportunities, diverse, professors are amazing. I participate in varsity sports and it's a great community. The surrounding City is amazing...tons to do.
    Read 1,152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 972 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 972 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 479 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 479 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,148 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 369 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 369 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,408 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,408 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,254 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Graduate Student: I am a first year graduate student in their online Museum Studies program. So far, I love everything about Johns Hopkins University. My professors have been very attentive and answer all my questions quickly, the work is very relevant and there are so many resources to help me. JHU's admissions office and academic advisors have been in constant contact with me, making sure I was all set for the semester. My student alumni ambassador is a wonderful person who has been helping me with JHU on a personally experienced level as she has graduated from the same program. I am proud to be a part of the JHU community!
    Read 1,254 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,560 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,042 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,042 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 681 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 681 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,303 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,288 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: I have loved my time at UNC so far. My first year was very difficult, but that was because college is such a hard adjustment and I was also taking the wrong classes. Now that I am in a major I enjoy and am taking classes I am interested in, I love being at UNC. Although it is a very difficult school, and sometimes it is too hard for no reason, I believe that it will all be worth it after I graduate because the school will provide me with great opportunities because of its academic reputation. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the parties are great, Chapel Hill is a quaint little area, and of course, Carolina athletics (especially basketball) are unmatched. One of my favorite things about UNC is the study abroad department. There are so many different programs to choose from all over the world. You can go for a year, a semester, or a summer. There are programs for every major, including hard sciences such as chemistry. UNC is a great school and I am lucky I go here. Go Heels!
    Read 2,288 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,111 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: I absolutely love everything about the University of Virginia. I visited several colleges before making my decision and knew that UVA was the place for me. It has a great reputation, the grounds are beautiful, and being part of a sports team is an added plus and has many rewards. My team is like family. Also, the area around the university, is very inviting. There is so much to do with lots of dining and shopping. I know that having a UVA degree will help me in the future in finding a good job. I can't picture myself to be anywhere else! This University has it all!
    Read 2,111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,323 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Colby College

    • 4 Year
    • Waterville, ME
    • 501 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: I love being at Colby, I am very happy and believe that Colby is a great place to be. I have enjoyed my time on the varsity sports team and that has been beneficial for the social scene. I think that if I was not an athlete the social scene would have been more challenging. The academics are difficult but not impossible and the connections made attending Colby are incredible. My father also attended Colby. I have also had a ton of conversations started just by the fact that I was wearing my Colby gear.
    Read 501 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,361 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,903 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: UC Berkeley provides outstanding environment for students to achieve and conquer their academic and career goals. Many people think of Cal as a cut-throat school but on the contrary, the amount of peer support I encountered within this school is amazing. Students in Cal uplift each other because studying here is hard but the products of that studying open doors to many career opportunities. At times it may feel overwhelming to find own place in such a big school, but Cal has plenty college resources for every kind of person. Go Bears!
    Read 3,903 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Bates College

    • 4 Year
    • Lewiston, ME
    • 349 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Everyone will tell you this but it's true- the people make Bates a special place! The students, professors, and faculty give the school a unique quality that makes your time here truly invaluable. Whenever I am away from Bates for too long, I find myself yearning to be back on campus, back home. The thirst for change and the passion for diversity, community engagement, and social justice create a vibrant atmosphere that is exciting to be a part of. There's never a shortage of things to be involved in! Even with little to no idea about what I want to do with my life, I am confident that when I leave Bates I will be able to draw on what I've learned to craft a meaningful career. Yeah, there may not be much to do in Lewiston, but make sure to get out and explore the rest of Maine! Skiing, hiking, surfing, biking, running, canoeing, .... all can be found within an hour of Bates.
    Read 349 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,312 Net Price
    • 1385-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Colorado College

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 732 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: If you've been admitted to CC as a Winter Start, FSA, or are considering delaying your enrollment till Spring Semester, it's not as scary as you think it is! If you really hate the idea, trust your gut and don't do it, but if your open to it but you're scared because you've never heard of someone going to college a semester late before, don't worry about it. I was a Winter Start, and it was a great experience and allowed me to study abroad and do research during my Fall semester. Plus, once I got to CC it was a great time, the Winter Start community is supportive and great (second, third, and fourth years Winter Starts included) and I was able to make friends just fine. The first semester of college is always going to be hard, but being a Winter Start made it easier if anything.
    Read 732 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,528 Net Price
    • 1220-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,180 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 891 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
    Read 891 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,449 Net Price
    • 1410-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    California Lutheran University

    • 4 Year
    • Thousand Oaks, CA
    • 1,061 reviews

    Niche User: Even before college was on my brain I was comfortable with CLU! The community is so close together and everyone I have met is so friendly. After applying and being accepted to CLU, everyone I have gone to with questions were so helpful. The counselors and professors are very supportive when it comes to changing your major, which is something I was personally looking for. The average classroom size is around 17 people, so you really get to know your professor, as well as have to opportunity to ask questions!
    Read 1,061 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,241 Net Price
    • 1060-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Hope College

    • 4 Year
    • Holland, MI
    • 964 reviews

    Sophomore: Hope was the closest school to home that I considered as a senior in high school. I was dead convinced that I would never go to Hope, as my dad is an alumni, and a very proud one at that. When I visited, I just felt this overwhelming sense of peace and belonging. I knew Hope was exactly where I was supposed to be. Looking back, I think I ended up at Hope for a reason. The other schools I looked at would have been nowhere near as accommodating when I decided to change my major, or as helpful in getting me out in four years despite major changes. The staff and faculty are always helpful and friendly, and I get along well with most of my classmates and peers. Holland is a great place to live. It's close to the beach, has a wonderful downtown area, and my church has welcomed me with open arms. I am so glad I was led to Hope, and wouldn't change anything!
    Read 964 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,795 Net Price
    • 1090-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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