Program Analysis
South Dakota State University Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates command $39,483/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,850 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,250 represents roughly 6 months of the $39,483 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #4 of 37 nationally, this is a top-5% Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $39,483 to $47,857 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.