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Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

The University of Florida stands out among affordable Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs with a remarkable 91.50% graduation rate while maintaining costs under $6,400. This achievement contrasts sharply with programs like Eastern New Mexico University at $6,199 where only 39.80% of students complete their degrees. The field connects directly to America's $887 billion outdoor recreation economy, where federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employ thousands of wildlife professionals annually. Earnings data reveals graduates typically start between $22,846 and $29,685, with College of the Ozarks leading at the higher end despite its unique work-study model. Regional differences emerge clearly in this data, from Alaska's specialized programs serving vast wilderness areas to Texas universities preparing students for ranch and habitat management across millions of acres. The 15 most affordable programs span from $6,199 to $13,085, showing that quality wildlife education remains accessible across varied geographic regions. Students can choose between public research universities and smaller specialized colleges, each offering distinct pathways into careers managing America's natural resources.
50
Programs
$6,199 – $19,899
Net Price Range
$27,982
Avg. Program Earnings
56.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
5 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
6 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
7 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
8 $9,002 $4,311 35.2%
9 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
10 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
11 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
12 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
13 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
14 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
15 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
16 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
17 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
18 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
19 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
20 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
21 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
22 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
23 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
24 $13,613 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
25 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
26 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
27 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
28 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
29 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
30 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
31 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
32 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
33 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
34 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
35 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
36 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
37 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
38 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
39 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
40 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
41 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
42 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
43 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
44 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
45 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
46 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
47 $18,217 $12,640 57.0% 94.3%
48 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
49 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
50 $19,899 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic graduation rate differences between affordable wildlife programs?

University of Florida achieves a 91.50% graduation rate compared to Eastern New Mexico University's 39.80%, reflecting significant variations in student support and program structure. Schools with higher graduation rates typically offer more research opportunities and stronger industry connections. The data shows that net cost doesn't predict success, as both universities charge similar amounts under $6,500. Students should examine graduation rates alongside program offerings when comparing options.

How do wildlife program costs compare between public and private institutions?

Private nonprofit schools like College of the Ozarks charge $21,290 in tuition but reduce net costs to $7,669 through work-study programs. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the lowest net cost among private schools at $7,131 with a 95.56% acceptance rate. Public universities typically range from $6,199 to $13,085 in net costs, with in-state students often paying less than the national average. The gap between sticker price and actual cost varies dramatically across institution types.

Where do wildlife science graduates find the best earning potential?

College of the Ozarks graduates earn $29,685 annually, the highest among affordable programs, followed by New Mexico State University at $27,890. These earnings reflect regional job markets, with western states offering more federal land management positions. University of Florida graduates start at $22,846 despite the program's high graduation rate, showing that location impacts salary ranges significantly. Most programs in this price range produce graduates earning between $25,000 and $30,000 annually.

Is geographic location important for wildlife management career preparation?

Alaska universities serve unique ecosystems requiring specialized knowledge of arctic and subarctic environments, while Texas programs focus on ranch management and arid land conservation. University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn $25,194 working in industries unavailable in other regions. Western schools generally prepare students for federal agency careers managing public lands, while southeastern programs often emphasize forestry and habitat restoration. Each region offers distinct internship and job opportunities aligned with local ecosystems.

Does program selectivity indicate wildlife education quality?

University of Florida accepts only 23.35% of applicants while achieving the highest graduation rate at 91.50%, suggesting selective admission improves student outcomes. College of the Ozarks accepts 21.13% of students and produces the highest-earning graduates at $29,685 annually. However, Sul Ross State University accepts 97.07% of applicants but graduates only 27.40%, showing that open admission can lead to challenges. Acceptance rates below 25% often correlate with stronger career outcomes in wildlife programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.