2026 Best Value Wildlife Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Wildlife Management bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 97 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #2 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $24,798. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
A rank of #3 makes Bemidji State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Bemidji State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $22,301 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Bemidji State University
Out of the 97 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Valley City State University landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Valley City, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Valley City State University Wildlife Management students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Valley City State University profile
A rank of #5 makes Stephen F Austin State University one of the best values in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $25,556. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set 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. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $23,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Tennessee Technological University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $13,673. Median earnings reach $48,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,673 median debt. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
Missouri Western State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Saint Joseph, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $24,362. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Missouri Western State University report
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Unity College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Set in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,640. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Unity College profile
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Virginia University
University Of Nevada Reno placed #15 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $21,150. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $21,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Mississippi State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
Arkansas Tech University placed #18 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,766. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Auburn University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $25,740 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $25,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Auburn University
Humboldt State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. This public school is set in Arcata, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,397, while out-of-state students pay about $20,997. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Humboldt State University
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Murray, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,737. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
University Of Georgia came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Wildlife Management students take on a median of $25,154 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Otterbein University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit school based in Westerville, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Otterbein University profile
Michigan Technological University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $25,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Wildlife Management program 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%. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Wildlife Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Florida ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $20,872. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
Michigan State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $28,425. 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. More on Michigan State University
University Of Idaho came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of Idaho profile
Eastern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $19,224. Median earnings reach $45,795 ten years out. 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 placed #32 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,572 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $21,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Maine landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. University Of Maine Wildlife Management students take on a median of $26,893 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $26,893 median debt. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Maine
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Based in Paul Smiths, NY, Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,009 in tuition and fees. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $24,874. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science alumni report median earnings of $46,145 a decade after entry. 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%. Read the full report on Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science
University Of California Davis came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Wildlife Management students take on a median of $15,499 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Delaware Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Doylestown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,850. Delaware Valley College Wildlife Management students take on a median of $26,420 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,420 median debt. Delaware Valley College has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Delaware Valley College profile
Juniata College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntingdon, PA, Juniata College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,580. Typical Wildlife Management student debt is $26,976. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,918 ten years after entry. Set against $26,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Juniata College profile
University Of Rhode Island ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Based in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. University Of Rhode Island Wildlife Management students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Rhode Island profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. The median Wildlife Management program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus report
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Wildlife Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,511 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on The University Of Montana
University Of Puerto Rico Humacao placed #40 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Humacao report
Friends University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. See the full Friends University profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
South Plains College placed #43 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Read more about South Plains College
Holmes Community College placed #44 among the best-value Wildlife Management schools in the United States. Read more about Holmes Community College
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Wildlife Management schools. Read the full report on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Salish Kootenai College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. See the full Salish Kootenai College profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Get the full Washington State University report
Haywood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about Haywood Community College
Related Wildlife Management Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Wildlife Management Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Wildlife Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).