2026 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
[Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management](/majors/natural-resources-conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-fish-and-wildlands-science-and-management/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
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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Finding the Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management School for You
The right wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management school can pay off for years to come. That is why we developed our Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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Customizing Your List
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
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2026 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
University Of Florida earned the #1 spot for value among wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. 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. 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.
A rank of #2 makes New Mexico State University Main Campus one of the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $16,449 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Haywood Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Clyde, Haywood Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,580, while out-of-state students pay about $8,724. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $35,767.
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $39,896. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
American Public University System came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $23,438. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $57,404 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt.
Murray State University came in at #6 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $28,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Front Range Community College came in at #7 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Front Range Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Westminster. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Students borrow a median of $19,677 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Front Range Community College earn a median of $36,860 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #8 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Set in the city of Fairbanks, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, while out-of-state students pay about $25,892. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Texas A And M University Kingsville earned the #9 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. 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, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Texas A And M University Kingsville generally make around $44,510. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earned the #10 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the town of Hibbing, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $17,029 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earn a median of $44,387 early in their careers. Set against $17,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwest Texas Junior College placed #11 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Uvalde, Southwest Texas Junior College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,646 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,294 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $7,157. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Southwest Texas Junior College earn a median of $25,528 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Arkansas Tech University came in at #12 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Arkansas Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Russellville. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management program here. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $28,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
West Virginia University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Set in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public institution. 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. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $29,470 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants.
Hocking College earned the #14 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Hocking College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Nelsonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $10,290. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates of Hocking College earn a median of $26,914 early in their careers. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Humboldt State University came in at #15 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Arcata. Students from in state pay about $8,397 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Humboldt State University generally make around $26,325. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University earned the #16 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $55,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Valley City State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management schools. Valley City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Valley City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $25,500. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $44,253. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #18 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $25,556. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $27,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants.
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #19 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public school located in the town of Commerce. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, 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. 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. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Keys Community College placed #20 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Key West, Florida Keys Community College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $3,276 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,162 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $13,236. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Florida Keys Community College generally make around $47,373. That is a strong return on a $13,236 median debt.
University Of Idaho placed #21 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. 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. Typical student debt for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates is $26,500. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $31,022. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
University Of Georgia came in at #22 for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. 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. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Tennessee Technological University placed #23 among the best values for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $13,673 in student loans. Early-career wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management graduates make about $29,936. That is a strong return on a $13,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
University Of California Davis earned the #24 position for value in wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. 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%.
Northern Arizona University landed the #25 spot for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management value this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $32,402. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Wildlife, Fish & Wildl&s Science & Management Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for wildlife, fish & wildl&s science & management this year:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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 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.
