Forestry at Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,571/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 29 Forestry programs Top 50%

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 $571K $566K $526K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$73,568
Out-of-state: $165,360 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,916
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,635
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Michigan Technological University's Forestry graduates start at $45,571/yr — above the $42,702 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 7.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,500 against $45,571/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #13 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places Michigan Technological University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 35% earnings increase from $45,571 to $61,635 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Michigan Technological University

A 88% acceptance rate means Michigan Technological University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,829 students in Houghton, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan Technological 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 Michigan Technological University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at Michigan Technological 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 →