Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,652/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (9.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

While the raw earnings might not top the national charts, Arkansas Tech's strength lies in its location and hands-on approach. You’re not just in a classroom; you’re in the heart of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. This program provides a direct pipeline into regional conservation and wildlife management careers with agencies like the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or the U.S. Forest Service. The curriculum is built around practical, in-the-field skills that these specific employers value. Your career path will be less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about stewarding natural resources, often in public service roles where passion outweighs pay. To maximize your value, aggressively pursue internships with federal agencies during your summers. This experience is often the deciding factor that turns your degree into a long-term government career right after graduation.

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 $527K $523K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.4x 14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,032
Out-of-state: $58,008 (9.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,684
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,923
71% growth from Year 1

About Arkansas Tech University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Arkansas Tech University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,993 in Russellville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas Tech 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 Arkansas Tech 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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Arkansas Tech University?
At 30/100, 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 Arkansas Tech 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.
Is Arkansas Tech University one of the best schools for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management?
Among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs, Arkansas Tech University's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →