Forestry at University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,838/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 29 Forestry programs

Program Analysis

While the University of Florida is a top-tier public institution, your career outcomes in forestry will be shaped more by the industry itself than by the UF brand. Forestry is a field dominated by public sector and land management roles, often with state and federal agencies or large timber companies. These positions are typically located in rural areas and offer modest starting salaries, reflecting government pay scales and the regional economies of the Southeast. The path isn't a direct pipeline to high-paying corporate jobs; it's a passion-driven career focused on conservation and resource management. To maximize your financial outlook, you must aggressively pursue summer internships with organizations like the U.S. Forest Service or private firms like Weyerhaeuser. These experiences are critical for securing the best entry-level positions after graduation.

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 $527K $524K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.6x 20.5x 19.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,524
Out-of-state: $114,636 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,404
0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,054
79% growth from Year 1

About University of Florida

University of Florida admits 24% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 34,102 students enrolled in Gainesville, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Florida →

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 University of Florida

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 University of Florida's Forestry program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Forestry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Forestry earnings lower at University of Florida?
Lower starting pay at University of Florida 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 →