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Forestry at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,029/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 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 $493K $493K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.3x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,029 track close to the $42,702 national median for Forestry programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #17 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places Purdue University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

With a 50% acceptance rate, Purdue University-Main Campus is moderately selective, with 39,637 students enrolled in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

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 Purdue University-Main Campus

Computer Science ($94,786) Computer Engineering ($89,965) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,300) Industrial Engineering ($81,379) Chemical Engineering ($81,105) Mechanical Engineering ($80,374) Materials Engineering ($78,265) Construction Engineering ($76,966)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Forestry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at Purdue University-Main Campus?
At 40/100, 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 →