2026 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management](/majors/natural-resources-conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-fish-and-wildlands-science-and-management/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 97 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools.
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2026 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools in the United States. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $20,872 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $23,715. That is a strong return on a $20,872 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
New Mexico State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $16,449. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus generally make around $33,603. That is a strong return on a $16,449 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Idaho is a great value for students pursuing a degree in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management, landing the #3 spot this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $13,287. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $39,896. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Murray State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $28,751 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Kingsville earned it the #5 place for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kingsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $44,510. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #6 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Set in the city of Fairbanks, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $23,439. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $50,963. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arkansas Tech University earned the #7 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $20,500. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of $28,652 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
West Virginia University placed #8 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $29,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Humboldt State University placed #9 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Arcata. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $26,325. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Valley City State University placed #10 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Valley City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Valley City. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $44,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #11 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $25,556. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $27,273. Set against $25,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants.
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #12 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public school located in the town of Commerce. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $19,866 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $20,295. Set against $19,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants.
University Of Idaho came in at #13 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. University Of Idaho is a large public school located in the town of Moscow. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $31,022. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Georgia ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $25,154 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $22,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Tennessee Technological University placed #15 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $13,673. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $29,936. Set against $13,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis came in at #16 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $29,896. Set against $15,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #17 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $23,585. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $36,758. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public school located in the city of Reno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $21,150 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $33,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Mississippi State University earned the #19 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $30,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #20 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $21,813. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $59,877. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Michigan Technological University placed #21 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $25,800. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Michigan Technological University generally make around $64,652. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
University Of Delaware ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,572 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $22,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants.
Bemidji State University placed #23 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Bemidji, Bemidji State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,301 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $35,806. That is a strong return on a $22,301 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.
The University Of Montana came in at #24 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $28,339 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The University Of Tennessee earned the #25 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $30,924 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 43 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value ranking:
Other Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management rankings across degree levels:
View All Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 97 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 39 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
