Best colleges for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management by graduate earnings are University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point ($42,297), Lake Superior State University ($34,729) and Oregon State University ($33,314), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Stevens Point, WI): $42,297, 44 graduates a year
- Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste Marie, MI): $34,729, 29 graduates a year
- Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR): $33,314, 51 graduates a year
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN): $31,317, 47 graduates a year
Compare 22 U.S. colleges offering Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 18 states.
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $33,410 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 03.03 and the First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management programs
The Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management program focuses on the sustainable management of aquatic renewable resources, primarily fish. This program is designed for students interested in understanding and optimizing fishery resources while ensuring ecological balance and conservation efforts. It prepares individuals for various roles in managing fisheries and related ecosystems.
Learn more about Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework covers topics related to administration and management, production and processing, and customer service, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed for successful careers in fisheries management.
Top 8 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,297 | 44 | 51% | — | $21,399 |
| 2 | Lake Superior State University Sault Ste Marie, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,729 | 29 | 51% | — | $25,250 |
| 3 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,314 | 51 | 70% | — | $33,518 |
| 4 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,317 | 47 | 83% | — | $20,500 |
| 5 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $34,321 | 8 | 51% | $22,773 | — |
| 6 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $33,410 | 19 | 84% | — | $24,114 |
| 7 | Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $31,386 | 18 | 52% | — | $26,875 |
| 8 | California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt Arcata, CA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $29,862 | 12 | 49% | — | — |
Specializations within Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 03.03 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 18 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | $42,297 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point |
| Michigan | 3 | $34,729 | Lake Superior State University |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | $34,321 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
| Texaslimited | 1 | $33,410 | Texas A&M University - College Station |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | $33,314 | Oregon State University |
| Indianalimited | 1 | $31,317 | Purdue University |
| Californialimited | 1 | $29,862 | California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 45-1011, First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management program can expect a job outlook that is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 2.5% and around 8,500 annual openings. The median wage for related positions is approximately $59,330, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 03.03.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 03.03 (Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 45-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workersprimary |
| 45-3031 | Fishing and Hunting Workers |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
- Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
- Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
- Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
- Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management program?+
The program focuses on the sustainable management of fishery resources and conservation.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, communication, and monitoring skills, among others.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.5%.
What education is typically required for careers in this field?+
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions.
How much do Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates earn?+
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $33,410, College Scorecard (2019); the First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers occupation pays about $62,730 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management?+
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management maps to CIP 03.03 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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