Forestry (Bachelor's Degree) at Michigan State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,178

25th percentile

Median Debt

$31,000

37% above national median

Analysis

Michigan State's forestry graduates earn about $3,000 less than the national median and $3,200 below the state median—which matters because Michigan only has two forestry programs, and Michigan Tech's graduates are earning $6,400 more annually. At 25th percentile nationally, these earnings place MSU in the bottom quarter of forestry programs. The silver lining is exceptionally manageable debt: at $31,000, it's just 79% of first-year earnings and well below both national and state norms. This debt-to-earnings ratio makes the program financially workable, even if not particularly lucrative.

The concerning gap is relative to Michigan Tech, the state's other option. That $6,400 annual difference compounds significantly over a career, and both programs likely draw from similar regional job markets. MSU's much higher admission rate (84% vs. Michigan Tech's more selective process) may partly explain this earnings gap, though the moderate sample size means these figures could shift with different cohorts.

For families committed to forestry and preferring MSU's campus or broader university experience, the low debt burden keeps this viable—you're not gambling with crushing loans. But if maximizing forestry career earnings is the priority, Michigan Tech's track record is notably stronger and worth the comparison shopping.

Where Michigan State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Michigan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Forestry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (2 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$39,178	—	$31,000	0.79
Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton	$18,392	$45,571	$53,543	$27,000	0.59
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 Michigan State University, approximately 20% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.