Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,282/yr (45% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

While the earnings numbers are strong, your career path here is less about a high-paying corporate job and more about a passion for the outdoors. SFA's location in the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods is its biggest asset. You're not just in a classroom; you're in a living laboratory, with direct access to the forests and ecosystems that will define your work. This creates a powerful pipeline into state and federal agencies like Texas Parks and Wildlife or the U.S. Forest Service, as well as private timber and land management companies that dominate the regional economy. The curriculum is hands-on and practical, preparing you for the realities of fieldwork. To stand out, aggressively pursue seasonal internships and technician jobs during your summers—that real-world experience is what hiring managers value most.

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 $553K $546K $503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 12.9x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.6x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 46 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,400
Out-of-state: $82,720 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,608
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,015
34% growth from Year 1

About Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin State University has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 8,746 students in Nacogdoches, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Stephen F Austin 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

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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

How does Stephen F Austin State University's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Stephen F Austin State University rank so high for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management?
The #1 ranking out of 37 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →