2027 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/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 44 schools to find the best return on investment for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management students.
What’s on this page:
2027 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
Our analysis ranked University Of Florida the best value for a degree in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management 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. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $20,872. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $23,715. That is a strong return on a $20,872 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management will find it at College Of The Ozarks, which ranked #2. College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Point Lookout. Students from in state pay about $22,360 in tuition and fees. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of College Of The Ozarks earn a median of $37,944 early in their careers. College Of The Ozarks admits about 12% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $39,896. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
A rank of #4 makes New Mexico State University Main Campus one of the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $16,449 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $33,603. Set against $16,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Murray State University earned it the #5 place for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $28,751 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #6 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #7 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $19,224. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $25,492. That is a strong return on a $19,224 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #8 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Kingsville, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $44,510. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Humboldt State University earned the #9 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Humboldt State University generally make around $26,325. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $48,847. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Arkansas Tech University came in at #11 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of $28,652 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.
Missouri Western State University landed the #12 spot for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value this year. Set in the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Missouri Western State University generally make around $32,199. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of California Davis placed #13 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $29,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #14 spot for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value this year. 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, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $19,866 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Texas A And M University Commerce earn a median of $20,295 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants.
University Of Georgia placed #15 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $25,154. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $22,354. That is a strong return on a $25,154 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Tennessee Technological University earned the #16 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $13,673 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $29,936 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,673 median debt. Tennessee Technological University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #17 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $27,273. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Michigan Technological University earned the #18 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants.
University Of Idaho ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Set in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Bemidji State University earned the #20 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Bemidji, Bemidji State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
West Virginia University placed #21 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Set in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, 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. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #22 spot for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $21,150 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of University Of Nevada Reno earn a median of $33,351 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #23 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
The University Of Montana landed the #24 spot for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value this year. Located in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $28,339. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Mississippi State University earned the #25 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $30,247. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Rest of the Top 44 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year:
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
The ranking above is published 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 · 44 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 44 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.
