Home › Murray State University › Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,751/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #24 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	$412K	$421K	$409K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.8x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.4x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	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)

$38,832

Out-of-state: $77,808 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$36,484

6% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,417

8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Murray State University's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program produces graduates earning $28,751/yr — within striking distance of the $29,850 national average for this field.

With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% 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 $21,417 against $28,751/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs places Murray State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Murray State University

A 86% acceptance rate means Murray State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 6,646 students in Murray, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Murray State 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 Murray State 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 Murray State 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 Murray State 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 →