Program Analysis
Graduates earn $51,279/yr, roughly in line with the $51,279 national median for Forest Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forest Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $51,279 far exceeding the $19,196 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Forest Engineering is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's #2 ranking should be read in that context.
The $51,279-to-$78,198 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.