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Forestry at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,441/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)

Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)

ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #29 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	$429K	$433K	$415K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.9x	8.0x	7.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.4x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	45%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,936

Out-of-state: $127,896 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,436

-34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,548

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $31,441/yr fall 26% below the $42,702 national median for Forestry. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 8.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,548 debt-to-$31,441 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #29 out of 29 programs, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's financial outcomes for Forestry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

With a 46% acceptance rate, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is moderately selective, serving a student body of 28,763 in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Forestry program score?

This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Forestry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Forestry earnings lower at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

Lower starting pay at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 →