Compare 41 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $35,685. Top programs: $51,550+.
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs produce graduates earning between $36,641 and $51,550—a $15K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 41 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Stephen F Austin State University's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program leads with graduates earning $51,550. The program's dominance reinforces how regional publics can outperform prestigious institutions in specialized fields. Auburn University follows at $45,966, while Valley City State University rounds out the top three at $45,038.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Tennessee Technological University graduates borrow $15,650 and face just a 10.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Valley City State University leads for families with a 17.9% family burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $51,550
Strong outcomes ($51,550) with 88% acceptance
10.6% payment burden | Good
17.9% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $51,550 | 22 | $23,409 | Good | $18,080 | Challenging | |
| #2 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $45,966 | 38 | $21,000 | Manageable | $43,605 | High |
| #3 | $45,038 | 14 | $20,369 | Manageable | $7,744 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $44,973 | 30 | $20,500 | Manageable | $30,610 | High | |
| #5 | $43,551 | 28 | $17,095 | Good | $10,166 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $42,869 | 35 | $15,650 | Good | $11,640 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $42,593 | 45 | $23,250 | Manageable | $18,000 | High | |
| #8 | $41,837 | 55 | $22,142 | Manageable | $25,567 | High | |
| #9 | $41,679 | 57 | $21,500 | Manageable | $35,325 | High | |
| #10 | University Of DelawarePublic | $40,710 | 34 | $24,572 | Challenging | $43,000 | High |
| #11 | $39,369 | 66 | $23,250 | Challenging | $37,401 | High | |
| #12 | $38,983 | 32 | $26,814 | Challenging | $36,545 | High | |
| #13 | $38,745 | 44 | $22,250 | Challenging | $28,000 | High | |
| #14 | University Of IdahoPublic | $38,589 | 35 | $21,982 | Challenging | $21,162 | High |
| #15 | $37,946 | 59 | $21,503 | Challenging | $14,012 | High | |
| #16 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $37,268 | 58 | $22,500 | Challenging | $32,980 | High |
| #17 | $37,207 | 13 | $21,500 | Challenging | $15,803 | High | |
| #18 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $37,074 | 35 | $24,500 | Challenging | $16,398 | High |
| #19 | University Of MainePublic | $37,074 | 35 | $25,000 | Challenging | $21,900 | High |
| #20 | $36,641 | 16 | $22,500 | Challenging | $14,685 | High | |
| #21 | Delaware Valley UniversityPrivate | $36,006 | 31 | $25,000 | High | $52,335 | High |
| #22 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $35,854 | 47 | $18,500 | Challenging | $20,855 | High |
| #23 | Bemidji State UniversityPublic | $35,806 | 25 | $19,750 | Challenging | $12,173 | High |
| #24 | University Of FloridaPublic | $35,117 | 49 | $15,000 | Manageable | $18,837 | High |
| #25 | $35,060 | 10 | $24,990 | High | $29,300 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
