Forestry at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,573/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 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 $557K $552K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.4x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 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)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,734
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Kentucky's Forestry graduates start at $32,573/yr, trailing the $42,702 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Forestry programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Forestry's typical career paths, with 34% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #26 of 29 Forestry programs, University of Kentucky falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $54,734 show a 68% jump from the $32,573 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Kentucky

A 92% acceptance rate means University of Kentucky is accessible to most applicants, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 Kentucky

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Forestry at University of Kentucky?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Forestry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Forestry from University of Kentucky?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →