Forestry at Michigan State University

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.