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Forestry Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College breaks the mold for forestry education costs, offering programs for a net price of just $6,061 annually. This Georgian institution proves that quality forest management education doesn't require massive debt loads, sitting nearly $7,000 below the next most affordable option at University of Florida. The Pacific Northwest has traditionally dominated forestry education, but southeastern states now provide compelling alternatives as timber companies expand operations across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Graduates from these affordable programs enter a field where the U.S. Forest Service employs over 28,000 workers nationwide, with additional opportunities in private timber management, conservation organizations, and state forestry departments. While earnings vary significantly across the field, from $30,771 to $43,798 among represented schools, the relatively low educational investment creates favorable debt-to-income ratios. Students can access quality forestry programs across varied ecosystems, from Georgia's pine plantations to California's redwood forests, without the financial burden typically associated with specialized environmental degrees.
42
Programs
$6,061 – $19,889
Net Price Range
$40,921
Avg. Program Earnings
63.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Forestry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $9,002 $4,311 35.2%
4 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
5 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
6 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
7 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
8 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
9 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
10 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
11 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
12 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
13 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
14 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
15 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
16 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
17 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
18 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
19 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
20 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
21 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
22 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
23 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
24 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
25 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
26 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
27 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
28 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
29 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
30 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
31 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
32 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
33 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
34 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
35 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
36 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
37 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
38 $18,730 $9,206 69.9% 69.5%
39 $19,182 $8,782 61.9% 83.9%
40 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
41 $19,740 $9,940 28.5% 53.9%
42 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College so much cheaper than other forestry programs?

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College costs just $6,061 net annually, nearly $7,000 less than the second-cheapest option. As a public agricultural college, it benefits from state funding specifically designed to support Georgia's farming and forestry industries. The school's focus on practical, hands-on training reduces overhead costs compared to research universities. Students gain direct experience in Georgia's extensive timber operations without paying for facilities they won't use.

How do graduation rates compare between expensive and affordable forestry programs?

University of Florida delivers a 91.5% graduation rate at just $6,351 net cost, proving affordability doesn't compromise outcomes. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College shows a 29.1% rate, reflecting its open-access mission and focus on career training over traditional four-year degrees. University of Georgia combines strong outcomes with reasonable costs, achieving 87.2% graduation at $13,816 annually. The data shows no clear correlation between higher costs and better graduation rates in forestry education.

Is the University of Washington worth the higher cost for forestry students?

University of Washington charges $13,485 net annually but provides access to some of the nation's most extensive forest ecosystems. Students work directly with Pacific Northwest timber operations, the region that produces 40% of America's softwood lumber. The school's 83.7% graduation rate and connections to major forestry employers like Weyerhaeuser may justify the premium. However, students should weigh this against schools like University of Florida offering similar career preparation for half the cost.

Does location affect earning potential for forestry graduates?

University of Georgia graduates earn $43,798 annually, the highest among affordable programs, likely reflecting the Southeast's growing timber industry. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates earn $38,289 despite the state's higher living costs, showing strong regional demand. University of Florida graduates start at $30,771, but Florida's year-round growing season creates steady employment opportunities. Regional job markets matter more than school rankings in forestry careers.

What debt levels should forestry students expect from these affordable programs?

University of Georgia graduates carry just $14,500 in average debt while earning $43,798, creating the most favorable debt-to-income ratio. University of Florida students graduate with $15,500 in debt, well below the national average for four-year degrees. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt students face $21,000 in debt but earn $38,289 starting salaries. These debt levels remain manageable compared to other environmental science fields, where students often exceed $30,000 in borrowing.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.