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Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,492/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)

ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #23 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$506K	$504K	$471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.5x	12.4x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.1x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	23	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,520

Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$39,848

2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,151

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,672

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,492 track close to the $29,850 national median for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,151 against $25,492/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #23 ranking among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs places Eastern Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,492-to-$44,672 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 11,674 students in Richmond, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Kentucky University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr

Zoologists and wildlife biologists $72,860/yr

Conservation scientists $67,950/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at Eastern Kentucky University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Eastern Kentucky University?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Eastern Kentucky University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →