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Forestry at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,337/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 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 $479K $480K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.4x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,342
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Forestry program produces graduates earning $39,337/yr — within striking distance of the $42,702 national average for this field.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,750 in median debt clears quickly against $39,337 in annual earnings.

A #20 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places Iowa State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $39,337 to $45,342 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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

Compare this program → View all 29 schools offering Forestry →

Forestry at Other Schools

North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($61,142) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($55,092) Clemson University ($53,850) California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt ($52,810) Auburn University ($51,421) University of Idaho ($47,399) University of Georgia ($47,214) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($45,817)

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Forestry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at Iowa State University?
At 36/100, 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 →