Forestry at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,850/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 29 Forestry programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Forestry graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $553K $549K $512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 8.8x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 41
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,875
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,490
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $53,850 per year, Forestry graduates from Clemson University significantly outpace the $42,702 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

A 8.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,875 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #15 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places Clemson University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Clemson University

A 38% acceptance rate puts Clemson University in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 22,778 students in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Foresters $70,660/yr
Conservation scientists $67,950/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Forestry at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clemson University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at Clemson University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Forestry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →