Are you passionate about nature?
Do you dream of studying in a place where the great outdoors becomes your classroom?
If so, let’s take a look at some of the best colleges for nature lovers.
From breathtaking campuses in the mountains to those bordered by serene lakes, these schools offer more than just an education – they offer an experience in the beauty of the natural world.
Table of Contents
Best Colleges For Nature Lovers (Worldwide)
Listed below are the best colleges for nature lovers:
1.University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is renowned for its College of Natural Resources, offering programs in forestry, environmental science, and conservation biology.
Its location near the Bay Area provides students with access to diverse ecosystems for hands-on research and internships.
The university also houses research centers focusing on environmental sustainability and policy.
2.Stanford University
Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences provides students with comprehensive programs in environmental science, sustainability, and earth systems.
Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Bay Area, students have ample opportunities for fieldwork and research.
Stanford is one of the best colleges for nature lovers that also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues through collaborations with other departments.
3. University of Vermont
UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources offers diverse programs in environmental science, forestry, and conservation biology.
Situated in the scenic state of Vermont, students have access to forests, lakes, and mountains for research and outdoor activities.
The university also emphasizes community engagement and sustainability initiatives.
4. University of Washington
UW’s College of the Environment provides students with interdisciplinary programs in environmental studies, marine science, and sustainability.
Located in the Pacific Northwest, the university offers unique opportunities for research in diverse ecosystems, including forests, coastlines, and marine environments.
UW also collaborates with local organizations and agencies on environmental conservation projects.
5. University of British Columbia
UBC’s Faculty of Science offers a range of programs in environmental science, ecology, and sustainability.
Situated in Vancouver, surrounded by mountains, forests, and ocean, students have access to diverse ecosystems for research and fieldwork.
UBC highlights hands-on learning experiences and encourages students to engage in environmental stewardship initiatives.
6. Colorado College
Colorado College’s Environmental Program offers interdisciplinary courses in environmental science, policy, and sustainability.
Located in Colorado Springs, students benefit from proximity to outdoor recreation areas in the Rocky Mountains.
This is one of the colleges for nature lovers that provides learning through field trips, internships, and research projects.
7. University of Oregon
UO’s Environmental Studies Program provides students with a broad understanding of environmental issues, including ecology, policy, and sustainability.
Situated in Eugene, surrounded by forests, rivers, and the Oregon coast, students have access to diverse ecosystems for research and fieldwork.
This is a university for nature lovers that also offers opportunities for community engagement and environmental advocacy.
8. College of the Atlantic
COA’s Environmental Studies is among the best colleges for nature lovers offers a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on human ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy.
Located in Bar Harbor, Maine, students have access to coastal habitats, forests, and islands for research and fieldwork.
9. University of Alaska Fairbanks
UAF’s College of Natural Science and Mathematics offers programs in environmental science, biology, and natural resources management.
Situated in the heart of Alaska, students have access to diverse Arctic and sub-Arctic ecosystems for research and fieldwork.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks also collaborates with indigenous communities on environmental conservation and climate change adaptation projects.
10. Middlebury College
Middlebury’s Environmental Studies Program provides students with a broad understanding of environmental issues through interdisciplinary coursework.
Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, students have access to forests, mountains, and lakes for research and outdoor activities.
Middlebury highlights sustainability initiatives on campus and offers opportunities for international study through its environmental programs abroad.
Best Schools For Nature Lovers
Here are some of the schools for nature lovers that are tailor-made for them:
11. University of Colorado Boulder
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CU Boulder offers robust programs in environmental studies and ecology.
Students benefit from the university’s proximity to national parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areas, providing extensive opportunities for field research and experiential learning.
The Environmental Studies Program focuses interdisciplinary approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
12. University of California, Santa Cruz
UCSC’s Environmental Studies Department offers interdisciplinary programs in environmental science, policy, and sustainability.
Located on the central coast of California, students have access to diverse ecosystems, including redwood forests and marine environments.
UCSC provides learning through field research and internships.
13. University of Montana
UM’s College of Forestry and Conservation offers programs in environmental science, forestry, and conservation biology.
Situated in Missoula, students have access to the rugged landscapes of western Montana for research and fieldwork.
The University of Montana collaborates with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal nations on natural resource management and conservation projects.
14. University of Utah
UU’s Environmental & Sustainability Studies Program offers interdisciplinary coursework in environmental science, policy, and sustainability.
Located in Salt Lake City, students have access to diverse ecosystems, including mountains, deserts, and urban environments.
15. University of New Hampshire
UNH’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment offers programs in environmental science, forestry, and wildlife ecology.
Situated in Durham, students have access to forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats for research and fieldwork.
The university also houses research centers focused on sustainability, climate change, and water resources management.
16. Evergreen State College
Evergreen’s Environmental Studies Program offers interdisciplinary coursework in environmental science, policy, and sustainability.
Located in Olympia, the college offers students access to diverse ecosystems, including forests, Puget Sound, and coastal beaches.
The students get the chance to learn through field trips, internships, and collaborative projects with local communities.
17. University of Wisconsin-Madison
UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies offers programs in environmental science, policy, and conservation biology.
Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, this is one of the best colleges for nature lovers that gives students access to diverse landscapes for research, including forests, lakes, and agricultural lands.
The university emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to addressing environmental challenges and offers opportunities for community engagement and outreach.
18. Humboldt State University
HSU’s Department of Environmental Science & Management offers programs in environmental science, forestry, and wildlife biology.
Located in Arcata, California, the university collaborates with local agencies and organizations on environmental conservation and restoration projects.
Students have access to the rugged coastline of Northern California, redwood forests, and rivers for research and fieldwork.
19. Warren Wilson College
Warren Wilson’s Environmental Studies Program offers a curriculum focused on sustainability, ecology, and environmental justice.
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, students have access to forests, farmland, and the Appalachian Mountains for research and fieldwork.
The college provides work experiences on the college farm, and community-based projects.
20. Unity College
Unity’s Environmental Studies Program offers interdisciplinary coursework in environmental science, policy, and conservation biology.
Located in Unity, Maine, the program offers students access to forests, lakes, and coastal habitats for research and fieldwork.
The college focuses on practical learning through internships, field courses, and sustainability projects right on campus.
Colleges Surrounded By Nature
Here are a couple more colleges for nature lovers:
21. University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers a fantastic environment for nature enthusiasts.
With the Sierra Nevada Mountains nearby, students have easy access to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.
Lake Tahoe, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning vistas, is only a short drive away.
UNR’s campus itself is dotted with green spaces and offers a serene environment for studying and relaxing outdoors.
22. University of Texas, Austin
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) combines the city life with a plethora of natural escapes.
The city of Austin is famous for its parks, lakes, and the beautiful Lady Bird Lake, where students can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and natural swimming areas.
UT Austin’s campus is lush and green, making it among the best universities for nature lovers.
23. University of Idaho
The University of Idaho is situated in the picturesque Palouse region, known for its rolling hills and rich agricultural landscape.
Outdoor activities abound with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains.
The university’s campus is beautifully landscaped with plenty of open spaces, gardens, and tree-lined paths.
For those who love nature and outdoor sports, the University of Idaho offers an idyllic setting.
24. Saint John’s College
Saint John’s College in Santa Fe is a haven for nature lovers, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a backdrop for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
The college’s campus is designed to blend with the natural environment, featuring adobe-style buildings and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
The nearby Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument offer endless opportunities for exploration.
25. Lewis and Clark College
Lewis and Clark College is located in Portland, a city renowned for its green spaces and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The college is located on a wooded hilltop, offering breathtaking views and easy access to hiking trails and natural beauty.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area, located right next to the campus, is a forested park perfect for walking, running, and bird-watching.
Portland’s proximity to the Oregon coast, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge means students have countless options for weekend outdoor adventures.
Final Verdict
With their stunning campuses, diverse outdoor programs, and commitment to environmental love, these are some of the best colleges for nature lovers that provide the perfect setting for you to explore, learn, and grow as a nature lover and a student.
Have you ever gone to any of these schools? If so, which one of them inspired you the most?
By the way, do you know about the best colleges for track and field scholarships?
