Compare 34 Forestry. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $47,923. Top programs: $67,118+.
Forestry programs produce graduates earning between $44,120 and $67,118—a $23K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 34 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The gap between top and bottom performers proves evaluating programs individually beats relying on school rankings.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Forestry program leads with graduates earning $67,118, well above the $47,923 average. Oregon State University follows at $64,041, while North Carolina State hits $63,034. These regional publics dominate the field—Cal Poly's highly selective program (30% acceptance) shows that specialized programs can outperform broader institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal Poly graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 5.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, NC State leads with a 15.8% family burden in the 'Manageable' tier. Cal Poly's 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can clear their debt with about four months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $67,118
Strong outcomes ($64,041) with 79% acceptance
5.7% payment burden | Excellent
15.8% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $67,118 | 31 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #2 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $64,041 | 12 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #3 | $63,034 | 73 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $58,005 | 22 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Manageable |
| #5 | $57,000 | 44 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $56,777 | 99 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $54,330 | 48 | $22,142 | Good | $25,567 | Challenging | |
| #8 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $54,006 | 28 | $22,500 | Good | $32,980 | High |
| #9 | $53,543 | 21 | $24,990 | Good | $29,300 | High | |
| #10 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $52,321 | 39 | $21,000 | Good | $43,605 | High |
| #11 | $51,526 | 65 | $18,000 | Good | $18,257 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $50,461 | 69 | $21,503 | Good | $14,012 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $49,879 | 29 | $19,000 | Good | $23,489 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $49,831 | 25 | $20,000 | Good | $36,000 | High | |
| #15 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $47,702 | 14 | $22,500 | Manageable | $30,006 | High |
| #16 | $47,651 | 9 | $22,750 | Manageable | $39,759 | High | |
| #17 | $46,984 | 49 | $21,543 | Manageable | $19,500 | Challenging | |
| #18 | University Of IdahoPublic | $46,747 | 38 | $21,982 | Manageable | $21,162 | High |
| #19 | $45,530 | 14 | $22,400 | Manageable | $19,000 | High | |
| #20 | $44,120 | 21 | $22,135 | Manageable | $18,071 | High | |
| #21 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $43,901 | 20 | $24,500 | Manageable | $16,398 | High |
| #22 | University Of MainePublic | $43,901 | 20 | $25,000 | Manageable | $21,900 | High |
| #23 | $43,482 | 23 | $16,750 | Good | $9,604 | Challenging | |
| #24 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $43,033 | 28 | $21,500 | Manageable | $35,463 | High |
| #25 | $43,029 | 20 | $19,500 | Manageable | $29,448 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
