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Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,411/yr (-25% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)

ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #32 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	$536K	$531K	$491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.3x	8.3x	7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	18	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$64,320

Out-of-state: $158,880 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,724

-5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,130

13.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,434

107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,411/yr fall 25% below the $29,850 national median for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 8.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,130 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,411 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #32 out of 37 programs, University of Delaware's financial outcomes for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,411 to $46,434 over five years (107% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Delaware

With a 65% acceptance rate, University of Delaware is moderately selective, enrolling 18,812 students in Newark, DE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Delaware →

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 University of Delaware

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 University of Delaware's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program score?

This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do University of Delaware Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

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 are Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management earnings lower at University of Delaware?

Lower starting pay at University of Delaware may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →