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Cheapest Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Eastern New Mexico University stands out with a net price of just $6,199, making it the most affordable entry point for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management education in the country. The 20 programs nationwide show a dramatic cost spread, with private College of the Ozarks reaching $7,669 despite its work-study model that typically eliminates tuition. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with University of Florida offering strong value at $6,351 net cost while maintaining a 91.50% graduation rate. The field directly serves the nation's 640 million acres of public lands managed by federal and state agencies, creating steady demand for graduates across the American West and beyond. New Mexico leads the lowest-cost options with three programs under $8,000, reflecting the state's extensive rangeland management needs. Early career earnings range from $22,846 to $29,685, with graduates often starting in seasonal positions before advancing to permanent roles in wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and private land management firms.
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 huge graduation rate gap between University of Florida at 91.50% and Eastern New Mexico at 39.80%?

University of Florida operates as a highly selective research university with extensive support systems and accepts only 23.35% of applicants, while Eastern New Mexico University has open enrollment policies with a 27.55% acceptance rate. The resource difference shows in faculty-to-student ratios, research opportunities, and academic support services. Florida's program benefits from proximity to the Everglades and extensive field research facilities. The $152 net cost difference also reflects the level of institutional investment in student success.

How do private nonprofit schools compare to public options for affordability?

Only two private nonprofits make this affordable list, with Brigham Young University-Idaho at $7,131 net cost and College of the Ozarks at $7,669. BYU-Idaho achieves low costs through institutional subsidies for LDS students, while College of the Ozarks uses a work-study program where students work 15 hours weekly instead of paying tuition. Public schools dominate the remaining 18 spots, with in-state tuition ranging from $4,311 at Salish Kootenai College to $10,130 at Eastern Kentucky University. The religious or specialized mission of these private schools enables their competitive pricing.

Does geographic location affect earnings potential for wildlife management graduates?

College of the Ozarks graduates in Missouri earn $29,685 annually, the highest among reporting schools, while University of Florida graduates start at $22,846 despite the program's strong reputation. Regional job markets and cost of living create these variations, with federal land management positions often paying similar wages nationwide. Alaska and western states typically offer higher starting salaries to offset remote working conditions and higher living costs. The $6,839 earnings gap between highest and lowest reflects both geographic factors and the varied career paths available in this field.

Is the 27.55% acceptance rate at Eastern New Mexico University typical for wildlife programs?

Eastern New Mexico's selectivity represents an outlier among affordable wildlife programs, with most schools accepting 60-95% of applicants. Sul Ross State University accepts 97.07% while Texas A&M Kingsville takes 96.55%, reflecting the specialized nature of these programs and regional workforce needs. University of Florida's 23.35% acceptance rate stems from its research university status rather than program-specific selectivity. The field generally welcomes students passionate about conservation, with hands-on experience often weighing more heavily than test scores in admissions decisions.

Where do the lowest student debt levels occur among these affordable programs?

University of Florida produces graduates with just $16,500 in average debt despite strong earning potential, while New Mexico State graduates carry $16,449 in debt with $27,890 starting salaries. Eastern Kentucky University students graduate with $17,151 in debt, reasonable given their $25,658 earning potential. Murray State University shows the highest debt load at $21,417, though this remains manageable for the career field. These debt levels reflect both the affordable nature of these programs and the practical, career-focused education that leads to steady employment in government and conservation sectors.

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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.