Forestry (Bachelor's Degree) at Louisiana Tech University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$44,120

60th percentile

Median Debt

$24,250

7% above national median

Analysis

Louisiana Tech's forestry program manages to outperform the national median despite being in a state where forestry programs are relatively rare. Starting at $44,120, graduates earn about $1,100 more than the national median for forestry majors, placing this program in the 60th percentile nationally. More impressively, students here graduate with $24,250 in debt—well below the 75th percentile mark, meaning three-quarters of forestry programs nationally saddle students with more debt than this.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 translates to a manageable situation: graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary, which should be repayable within a reasonable timeframe given the steady nature of forestry careers. With only four schools in Louisiana offering this major, you're looking at a program that serves a specific regional need without the competitive saturation you'd find in other fields.

For a parent considering this program, the math works better than most forestry degrees nationwide. Your child would enter a specialized field with reasonable debt and earnings that exceed the typical outcome. The moderate sample size suggests consistent placement, and the combination of below-average debt with above-average earnings makes this a solid value for students genuinely interested in forestry careers.

Where Louisiana Tech University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all forestry bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Louisiana Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Forestry bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston	$10,125	$44,120	—	$24,250	0.55
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh	$8,895	$61,142	$63,034	$24,749	0.40
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$55,092	$67,118	$17,000	0.31
Clemson UniversityClemson	$15,554	$53,850	$43,033	$24,700	0.46
California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata	$7,913	$52,810	$51,526	$22,173	0.42
Auburn UniversityAuburn	$12,536	$51,421	$52,321	$20,500	0.40
National Median	—	$43,029	—	$22,607	0.53

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with forestry graduates

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Foresters

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

$43,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Forest and Conservation Technicians

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Louisiana Tech University, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.