Forestry at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,228/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 29 Forestry programs Top 50%

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 $522K $520K $488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.5x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,592
Out-of-state: $109,440 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,988
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,335
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,228/yr, Forestry graduates from West Virginia University land near the $42,702 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 13.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #12 out of 29 programs, West Virginia University's Forestry offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $43,228 to $53,335 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About West Virginia University

With 86% of applicants admitted, West Virginia University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia University →

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 West Virginia University

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 West Virginia University's Forestry program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Forestry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →