Forestry at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's forestry program produces earnings nearly $12,000 below the national median for forestry graduates, landing it in the bottom 5% nationally. That first-year figure of $31,441 is particularly concerning for a four-year degree from a flagship state university with an average SAT of 1304. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Tennessee, that's only because there are just two forestry programs in the state—this essentially represents the lower-performing option. The debt load of $27,000 is actually higher than the national median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 that means nearly a full year's salary goes toward paying off loans.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) warrants serious caution—this data could reflect an unusually weak graduating cohort rather than a program-wide issue. However, the combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt suggests graduates may be struggling to find the higher-paying forestry positions that exist elsewhere. Nationally, the median forestry graduate earns $43,000, so there's a significant gap to explain.

For parents considering this program, demand concrete answers about job placement rates and where graduates are working. If your child is committed to forestry and Tennessee residency, explore what the other in-state program offers. Otherwise, look at out-of-state options where graduates are reaching closer to that $43,000 national median—the tuition premium could pay for itself quickly.