by our College Data Analytics Team
[Wildlife Management](/majors/natural-resources-conservation/wildlife-management/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value wildlife management schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the wildlife management degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is College Of The Ozarks, our #1 best value for wildlife management in Missouri. Located in the town of Point Lookout, College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $22,360 in tuition and fees. Wildlife Management graduates of College Of The Ozarks earn a median of $37,944 early in their careers. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri Western State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in wildlife management, landing the #2 spot this year. Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Saint Joseph. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Typical student debt for wildlife management graduates is $24,362. Early-career wildlife management graduates make about $32,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in wildlife management will find it at Missouri State University Springfield, which ranked #3. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Wildlife Management graduates carry a median of $23,937 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife management degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $26,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.