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Forestry at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,342/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #25 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 $526K $524K $491K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$128,196
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,332
23% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,245
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,342/yr, Forestry graduates from Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science land near the $42,702 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 4.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #25 out of 29 programs, Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's financial outcomes for Forestry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,342 to $54,245 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

With 91% of applicants admitted, Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 582 students in Paul Smiths, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science →

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 Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Natural Resources Management and Policy ($41,863) Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management ($35,979) Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management ($34,321) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($33,398) Culinary Arts and Related Services ($31,506) Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies ($27,543)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Forestry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's Forestry program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Forestry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →