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Forestry at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,398/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 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 $543K $540K $504K
Earnings Multiple 10.3x 10.2x 9.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,092
53% growth from Year 1

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

A 90% acceptance rate means Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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) 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) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point ($41,177)

Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Fire Protection ($104,017) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($73,283) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($72,495) Computer Science ($70,053) Mechanical Engineering ($69,454) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($69,021) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($68,670) Civil Engineering ($65,269)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Forestry trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Forestry program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Forestry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Forestry earnings lower at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Lower starting pay at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →