Forestry (Bachelor's Degree) at Stephen F Austin State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,953

29th percentile

Median Debt

$22,250

2% below national median

Analysis

At just under $40,000 in first-year earnings, Stephen F Austin's forestry program lands below the national median but close to Texas averages—not surprising given that only one other Texas school offers this degree. The $22,250 debt load translates to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a field known more for lifestyle than lucrative paychecks.

The real question is whether forestry aligns with your child's career vision. This program sits in the 29th percentile nationally for earnings, reflecting the broader reality that natural resource careers rarely compete with engineering or business salaries. However, the debt burden is proportionate—Stephen F Austin isn't loading students with excessive loans for modest-paying work. With 37% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a population that needs affordable pathways to outdoor careers.

For families who understand that forestry is a calling rather than a wealth-building strategy, this program offers fair value. Your child will graduate with debt they can realistically service on an entry-level forester's salary. Just ensure they're genuinely committed to working in natural resources management, because these earnings won't leave much room for career regrets.

Where Stephen F Austin State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Stephen F Austin State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

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

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches	$10,600	$39,953	—	$22,250	0.56
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$40,314	—	$19,500	0.48
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 Stephen F Austin State University, approximately 37% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.