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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
    • 1,134
    #1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
    Read 1,134 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
    • 1,046
    #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 1,046 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
    • 670
    #3 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Graduate Student: Harvard University is a great campus that's dedicated to teaching students how to change the world. Their general facilities, professors, and students, make it very easy to get connected with some of the best minds in the world. Harvard is a university that is truly top tier and the students who attend Harvard are some of the most dedicated and hard working individuals in this world. In addition, other living aspects of the college like the campus and extracurricular events like recreational sports, study groups, and organized parties are extremely fun and engaging. These events make it extremely easy to get plugged in and make lasting social relations.
    Read 670 Reviews

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

    Meredith College

    • 4 Year
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 669

    Freshman: Their welcoming environment and supportive community is perfect for helping me grow and flourish as an artist, honing and perfecting my skills to the highest possible quality. The campus life is very fun and exciting, plus they have an excellent cafeteria and gym- it's especially awesome that they have a driving range for golf! The teachers I've met are kind and welcoming, and based on the classroom size they make sure you're not a face lost in the crowd; they want to have a personal relationship with you and make sure that you succeed in the career you want to aspire for. Overall, Meredith proves to be an excellent environment for obtaining your degree!
    Read 669 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,276 Net Price
    • 1000-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 950
    #4 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Graduate Student: Yale University is basically the most beautiful school in the world, by far. I still can't believe just how gorgeous the place is. Sometimes when I'm walking around by myself on the old campus, I just want to pinch myself. It's pretty much the "Blue Steel" of colleges and universities. Funny story, but my African mom basically describes it in the following terms: "ohh, it all looks like Harry Potter's world! I bet this is where he really goes to school!".
    Read 950 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
    • 663
    #5 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Next year I will have a Junior at Bowdoin as well as an incoming freshman. No matter if you are a nerd student or a promising artist, Bowdoin is THE place to help you discover your passion. My girls love their college. Go visit. You’ll fall in love with our Polar Bear community!
    Read 663 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
    • 1,153
    #6 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,153 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
    #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
    • 1,142
    #8 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,142 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
    • 958
    #9 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 958 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
    • 477
    #10 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Senior: It's a great liberal arts school where the faculty members really care about each and every student, and sees the potential in you. You can grow so much here academically and personally, great supportive community and intellectually stimulating. Very intense academic course but, you will be able to see the best in yourself!
    Read 477 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
    • 367
    #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 367 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
    • 1,391
    #12 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
    Read 1,391 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
    • 1,242
    #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 1,242 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
    • 3,517
    #14 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
    Read 3,517 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
    • 3,997
    #15 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,997 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
    • 677
    #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 677 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
    • 2,250
    #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 2,250 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
    • 2,097
    #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 2,097 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
    • 1,313
    #19 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: Northwestern is that rare institution occupying an incredibly unique space within higher education. It's home to world-class academics and one of the nation's most impressive alumni rosters, but carries about half the pretense or snobbery you might find at any other elite university. It's home to top-notch arts & sciences, but has the added benefit of having a number of highly specialized programs, including its prestigious journalism program; a top-ranked music school; one of the nation's most productive theater departments; and a robust engineering school.

    Add to all that its utterly romantic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan in one of the best college towns in America (Evanston!) and you get Northwestern — a truly remarkable place that shaped my life over the course of four years. It isn't perfect, and those four years were filled with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the friendships forged and experiences made at Northwestern are truly priceless (forgive the cliche).
    Read 1,313 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
    • 498
    #20 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: When I reflect on my time at Colby, I am grateful for the small liberal arts experience; the feeling of community, small class sizes with professors who knew your name, and free printing. I am now pursuing post-graduate studies at a big University and the resources available to students, professor expertise, and quality of coursework is inferior to Colby in almost every way. Colby students are friendly, extremely intelligent, and well-rounded. Most of my friends volunteered, had an on-campus job or worked in a lab, and actively participated in campus clubs. The Colby bubble can become a little suffocating, as it is easy to not leave campus for weeks, but I am honestly sad I will never be in such a tight-knit community of similar-minded peers again. Colby is not perfect by all means, but it's a damn good school. If you choose to go to Colby, go in with an open mind, positive attitude, and readiness to introduce yourself to a million people.
    Read 498 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
    • 3,854
    #21 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: There are many amazing things about my school such as fun campus life, vigorous academics, numerous opportunities for extracurriculars and social groups, as well as the diversity! However, some things Id like changed are horrible housing that is way too expensive for the prices students pay, tuition for international students, availability and accessibility of financial aid, grants, and scholarships for international students.
    Read 3,854 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
    • 339
    #22 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: I had the best experience at Bates. The student body is intellectually curious yet super down to earth, professors are always accessible (many of whom I am still close with over a decade later), coursework/the pre-med committee is challenging but prepared me well for medical school, Maine is beautiful with great skiing and hiking nearby, and there are a bunch of really good restaurants in Lewiston with Portland only a 1/2 hour away. I met some of my best friends at Bates and had an absolute blast!
    Read 339 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
    • 728
    #23 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Alum: CC is an excellent place to study and challenge yourself! We're intellectual, physically active, passionate and mostly left of center ... but we're welcoming to everybody. The administration is great and so are the profs. I had one bad experience with a Psychology professor, but other than that, it's been awesome! I also studied Music while at CC and was really impressed with this program and all it offers. The Music Dept is definitely strong and a hidden gem!
    Read 728 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
    • 1,166
    #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 1,166 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
    • 887
    #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 887 Reviews

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

    Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,677

    Freshman: I love the class sizes because you're able to build more personal relationships with your professors and get one on one attention if needed. The professors actually care about their jobs and their students. Cleveland State is located in downtown Cleveland so there are many different attractions including restaurants, stores , museums, bars , parks you name it! Another thing I really love about CSU is the advisory services as a first generation freshman I felt very supported as far as preparation as well as financial help. The party scene is not really great but otherwise all around great school .
    Read 1,677 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,320 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Colorado State University

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Collins, CO
    • 3,695

    Alum: For the most part, I love CSU. Most of the professors are really supportive, intersting, and caring. Parking and financial aid are an absolute joke. It's outrageous I have to pay 600 more a year to park my car and you aren't even guaranteed a spot! Financial aid told me "I need to wake up and realize I can't afford to go to school." If it weren't for the amazing professors and student community and beautiful campus, parking and financial aid would ruin CSU.
    Read 3,695 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,191 Net Price
    • 1100-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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