Forestry at Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,120/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 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 $499K $499K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.3x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,500
Out-of-state: $67,464 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,836
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,083
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $44,120/yr, Forestry graduates from Louisiana Tech University land near the $42,702 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Forestry programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Forestry's typical career paths, with 34% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,083 represents roughly 6 months of the $44,120 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #16 of 29 Forestry programs, Louisiana Tech University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Louisiana Tech University

With 73% of applicants admitted, Louisiana Tech University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,819 students in Ruston, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana Tech 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 Louisiana Tech 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Forestry at Louisiana Tech University?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Forestry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →