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Best Value Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Florida stands out with the lowest net cost at $6,351 while offering a direct pipeline to federal wildlife agencies across the Southeast and national parks system. Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn $40,017 annually, the highest in this field, reflecting strong demand for wildlife professionals in Texas's oil and gas environmental compliance sector. The 20 best value programs span from $6,351 to $18,219 in net costs, with earnings ranging from $22,846 to $40,017. Public universities dominate this list, though College of the Ozarks offers private education at $7,669 net cost through its student work program. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and state fish and wildlife departments hire heavily from these programs, particularly as baby boomer retirements create openings across western states. Michigan Tech commands the highest in-state tuition at $18,392 but delivers a 68.7% graduation rate, while Valley City State produces graduates earning $38,289 despite being located in rural North Dakota.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $27,243
Net Price Range
$27,464
Avg. Program Earnings
61.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,747 $27,890 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
2 $7,669 $29,685 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
3 $7,131 $26,353 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
4 $6,351 $22,846 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
5 $13,613 $38,289 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
6 $15,152 $40,017 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
7 $9,634 $25,194 $8,640 36.7%
8 $9,962 $25,658 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $12,171 $29,322 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
10 $12,869 $29,685 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
11 $14,207 $32,213 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
12 $15,729 $35,060 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
13 $12,997 $28,236 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
14 $13,782 $27,343 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
15 $13,726 $26,739 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
16 $14,824 $28,381 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
17 $15,501 $29,141 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
18 $18,219 $33,423 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
19 $14,401 $25,658 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
20 $18,109 $32,213 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
21 $20,593 $33,993 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
22 $13,167 $21,166 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
23 $13,816 $21,280 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
24 $16,931 $25,194 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
25 $17,118 $25,194 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
26 $18,045 $25,658 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
27 $20,261 $28,598 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
28 $16,928 $23,456 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
29 $18,217 $24,499 $12,640 57.0% 94.3%
30 $20,751 $25,194 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
31 $19,899 $23,693 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
32 $23,897 $28,366 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
33 $22,140 $23,456 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
34 $24,583 $25,774 $32,049 53.3% 84.9%
35 $23,261 $24,035 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
36 $23,790 $21,850 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
37 $27,243 $21,417 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
38 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
39 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
40 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
41 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
42 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
43 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
44 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
45 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
46 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
47 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
48 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
49 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
50 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,171 difference between the lowest and highest earning programs?

Stephen F Austin graduates earn $40,017 compared to University of Florida's $22,846, largely due to regional job markets. Texas offers higher salaries for environmental compliance roles in energy sectors, while Florida's wildlife positions often start with state agencies at lower pay scales. Geographic cost of living also influences these figures, with Texas wildlife biologists commanding premium wages in oil and gas regions. Valley City State's $38,289 average reflects North Dakota's resource extraction economy.

How do acceptance rates affect program quality in wildlife management?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21.13% of applicants but produces graduates earning $29,685, showing selectivity can correlate with outcomes. University of Florida's 23.35% acceptance rate and 91.5% graduation rate demonstrate high academic standards. However, Brigham Young University-Idaho accepts 95.56% of students yet maintains reasonable costs at $7,131 net price. The most selective programs often have better field research opportunities and industry connections.

Is debt load manageable for wildlife science graduates?

Average debt ranges from $11,000 at Tennessee Tech to $26,500 at Stephen F Austin, with most programs keeping debt below $20,000. Tennessee Tech graduates carry just $11,000 in debt while earning $32,213, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. University of Florida graduates manage $16,500 in debt against $22,846 earnings, requiring careful budgeting early in careers. Arkansas Tech offers strong value with only $16,000 average debt for graduates earning $29,322.

Does program location impact job placement in wildlife careers?

Western and Mountain states programs like Utah State and University of Idaho benefit from proximity to Bureau of Land Management offices and national forests. Alaska Fairbanks graduates often secure federal positions with geographic pay differentials, though the $25,194 average reflects entry-level wildlife technician roles. Southern programs like Stephen F Austin connect students to energy industry environmental consulting, boosting earning potential to $40,017. Eastern Kentucky's location near Appalachian restoration projects provides varied field experience.

Where do wildlife management graduates find the best return on investment?

University of Florida offers strong value with $6,351 net cost, though graduates start at $22,846 salaries in competitive state agency positions. College of the Ozarks provides private education for $7,669 through work-study programs, with graduates earning $29,685. Tennessee Tech delivers strong returns with low $11,000 debt loads and $32,213 earnings. Brigham Young University-Idaho's $7,131 net cost makes it accessible for students planning graduate school in wildlife biology.

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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.