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Best Value Forestry Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College delivers the most affordable forestry education in the nation at just $6,061 net cost, though graduates earn $36,668 annually. This dramatic affordability gap highlights how public institutions across the South and West dominate forestry education value propositions. North Carolina State leads earning potential with graduates averaging $66,941, more than double Abraham Baldwin's outcomes. The Pacific Northwest and Southeast regions anchor most programs, reflecting the concentration of timber companies like Weyerhaeuser and International Paper that recruit heavily from these schools. Graduation rates span from 29% to 91%, with University of Florida achieving the highest completion rate despite charging only $6,351 net annually. Most programs cluster between $13,000-$16,000 in net costs, making forestry education remarkably accessible compared to other STEM fields. The earnings range of $30,771 to $66,941 demonstrates how location and specialization within forestry careers significantly impact financial outcomes after graduation.
50
Programs
$6,061 – $33,847
Net Price Range
$40,099
Avg. Program Earnings
65.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Forestry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,061 $36,668 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
2 $6,351 $30,771 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $16,931 $66,941 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
4 $13,816 $43,798 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
5 $17,722 $52,107 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
6 $13,167 $38,289 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
7 $15,501 $44,170 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
8 $15,729 $43,240 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
9 $13,782 $37,748 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
10 $19,568 $52,107 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
11 $15,152 $39,909 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
12 $15,624 $40,768 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
13 $13,726 $35,670 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
14 $15,402 $39,927 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
15 $12,997 $33,459 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
16 $17,139 $43,798 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
17 $14,922 $37,568 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
18 $16,177 $36,094 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
19 $17,218 $36,141 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
20 $17,118 $35,823 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
21 $18,165 $34,348 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
22 $23,897 $40,461 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
23 $23,790 $38,289 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
24 $22,112 $35,060 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
25 $24,583 $38,289 $32,049 53.3% 84.9%
26 $20,332 $31,133 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
27 $20,860 $18,890 78.6% 59.8%
28 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
29 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
30 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
31 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
32 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
33 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
34 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
35 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
36 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
37 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
38 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
39 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
40 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
41 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
42 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
43 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
44 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
45 $18,730 $9,206 69.9% 69.5%
46 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
47 $23,261 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
48 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
49 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
50 $9,002 $4,311 35.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive forestry programs?

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College charges just $6,061 net annually while Oregon State University costs $19,568, a difference of over $13,000. State funding levels and institutional focus create these gaps, with agricultural colleges often receiving additional subsidies. Regional cost of living also factors in, as schools in smaller towns like Tifton, Georgia can operate with lower overhead than those in cities like Corvallis, Oregon. Most quality programs fall between $13,000-$16,000 annually.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in forestry education?

University of Florida achieves a 91.5% graduation rate while charging only $6,351 net annually, proving cost and quality don't always align. Abraham Baldwin, the cheapest option, graduates just 29.1% of students, suggesting affordability alone doesn't guarantee success. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo maintains an 85.2% graduation rate at $15,624, while Cal Poly Humboldt graduates only 46.6% of students despite costing $13,167. Academic support systems and student preparation levels matter more than price tags.

Where do forestry graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

North Carolina State University graduates command the highest salaries at $66,941 annually, likely due to strong industry connections in the timber-rich Southeast. Oregon State University graduates earn $52,107, benefiting from proximity to Pacific Northwest lumber companies. University of Florida graduates start at just $30,771 despite the school's academic reputation, reflecting Florida's smaller timber industry. Geographic location and regional industry concentration significantly impact earning potential more than school prestige.

Is student debt a major concern for forestry program graduates?

Most forestry graduates carry manageable debt loads between $15,500-$25,500, with University of Georgia graduates averaging just $14,500. Michigan Tech students face the highest debt at $25,500, while University of Florida graduates owe only $15,500 on average. Stephen F Austin graduates carry $21,597 in debt but earn $39,909 annually, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The outdoor-focused career attracts students who prioritize lifestyle over maximum earning potential.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in forestry education?

University of Florida maintains high selectivity at 23.35% acceptance while delivering strong value at $6,351 net cost. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accepts just 30.43% of applicants and achieves an 85.2% graduation rate, suggesting competitive admissions correlate with student success. However, Cal Poly Humboldt accepts 98.18% of applicants but graduates only 46.6%, showing open admission doesn't guarantee outcomes. The most selective programs typically offer better career services and industry connections.

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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.