Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Auburn University

Auburn's Wildlife and Wildlands Science program starts slow but rewards patience. That $28,748 first-year salary—typical for wildlife fields nationally—jumps 60% to $45,966 by year four, one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll see in natural resource careers. The $25,740 in debt sits below national averages, meaning graduates reach year two earning more than they borrowed, a threshold many environmental science programs fail to meet.

The real story here is trajectory over immediate payoff. Wildlife careers typically begin with seasonal fieldwork or entry-level technician positions before advancing into management roles, and this data reflects that pattern clearly. Among Alabama programs (admittedly, Auburn is the only in-state option for this specific major), the outcomes place students above the 50th percentile nationally by their fourth year. The moderate sample size suggests steady but not massive enrollment, which can actually work in graduates' favor in a field where too many candidates chase limited positions with state and federal agencies.

For families comfortable with a modest starting salary in exchange for meaningful work outdoors, this represents solid value. Your child will likely need to supplement income early—through part-time work or shared housing—but the debt burden won't be crushing, and the earnings curve bends upward just when those student loan bills arrive. If they're passionate about conservation work rather than chasing six figures, Auburn delivers reasonable preparation without financial catastrophe.