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Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,470/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)

ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #16 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs Top 50%

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	$502K	$501K	$468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	13.0x	12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	27	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,592

Out-of-state: $109,440 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,988

-35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,746

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,964

56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,470/yr, roughly in line with the $29,850 national median for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.0x 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 $19,746 against $29,470/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #16 ranking among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs places West Virginia University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,470-to-$45,964 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia 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 West Virginia University

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at West Virginia University?

At 27/100, 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 West Virginia 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 →