Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,549/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 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 $400K $410K $401K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.4x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.7x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,096
Out-of-state: $71,712 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,008
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Missouri State University-Springfield's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program produces graduates earning $26,549/yr — within striking distance of the $29,850 national average for this field.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -0% 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 $20,750 against $26,549/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #26 ranking among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs places Missouri State University-Springfield in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

A 91% acceptance rate means Missouri State University-Springfield is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,407 students in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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 Missouri State University-Springfield

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Missouri State University-Springfield?
At 22/100, 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 Missouri State University-Springfield?
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 →