2026 Best Value Wildlife Management Schools
Looking for the best-value Wildlife Management programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 97 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Wildlife Management Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $23,438. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Out of the 97 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Haywood Community College landed the #2 spot. Set in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,580, with out-of-state students paying around $8,724. Median earnings reach $34,770 ten years out. Read more about Haywood Community College
Out of the 97 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #3 spot. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #4 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $24,798. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. More on South Dakota State University
A rank of #5 makes Bemidji State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $22,301 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $22,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Valley City State University placed #6 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Valley City State University
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $31,000. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $25,556. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Texas Tech University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Clemson University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $23,783. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
Hocking College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Hocking College is a public school based in Nelsonville, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,646 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $12,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,791. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hocking College profile
Missouri State University Springfield placed #13 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $23,937. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $23,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Tennessee Technological University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,673 in student loans. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Missouri Western State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Missouri Western State University alumni report median earnings of $42,647 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Oregon State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Oregon State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $24,043 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oregon State University
Unity College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,640 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,852 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Unity College
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Reno Wildlife Management students take on a median of $21,150 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,150 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Nevada Reno
West Virginia University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on West Virginia University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $27,000. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Mississippi State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Mississippi State University
Arkansas Tech University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Arkansas Tech University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Arkansas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $41,766 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Arkansas Tech University report
Arizona State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report
Northern Arizona University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Northern Arizona University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Arizona University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Wildlife Management Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $20,031. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Auburn University placed #29 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $25,740 in debt. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Set against $25,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full Auburn University report
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
Humboldt State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Arcata, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Humboldt State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Humboldt State University alumni report median earnings of $47,626 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Humboldt State University report
University Of Georgia ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $25,154. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $25,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Otterbein University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit school based in Westerville, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,548. Students borrow a median of $25,850 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Otterbein University alumni report median earnings of $53,313 a decade after entry. Set against $25,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Otterbein University
New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $16,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $16,449 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #35 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Michigan Technological University placed #35 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Michigan State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $28,425 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $28,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $20,872 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Idaho placed #39 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,084 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,670. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on University Of Idaho
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Arizona came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Students borrow a median of $19,224 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,224 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Eastern Kentucky University
University Of Delaware ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $25,572. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
University Of Maine landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $26,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. Set against $26,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maine
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Paul Smiths, NY, Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,009. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science Wildlife Management students take on a median of $24,874 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,145. Set against $24,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science report
University Of California Davis placed #46 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $15,499. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Set against $15,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Delaware Valley College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Set in Doylestown, PA, Delaware Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,850 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,420 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,838. Set against $26,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delaware Valley College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Delaware Valley College
Juniata College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntingdon, PA, Juniata College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,580. Juniata College Wildlife Management students take on a median of $26,976 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,918 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Juniata College
The University Of Montana came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Montana profile
University Of Rhode Island ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. University Of Rhode Island is a public school based in Kingston, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $25,000. University Of Rhode Island alumni report median earnings of $69,743 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Rhode Island
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $27,000. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus report
Frostburg State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Frostburg State University
Best Value Wildlife Management Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Wildlife Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 97 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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