Forestry (Bachelor's Degree) at University of California-Davis

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$43,029

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$22,607

Est. from national median (25 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

The estimated $43,000 first-year salary for this forestry program falls notably short of what other California forestry graduates typically earn. Cal Poly SLO and Humboldt State forestry graduates start around $52,000-$55,000—roughly $10,000 more than what peer programs nationally suggest UC Davis forestry graduates might expect. That's a significant gap for a UC campus, especially when California's median for forestry programs sits at $54,000.

The debt picture looks manageable at an estimated $22,600, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—meaning your child could theoretically pay off their loans in about half a year's salary. That's reasonable by most standards. However, the earnings concern persists: starting $10,000 behind competitors compounds over time, affecting everything from loan repayment speed to long-term wealth building.

Before committing, understand why UC Davis forestry graduates might earn less than their in-state peers. Is it geographic placement, career path differences, or something about the program's focus? The other California programs have actual reported outcomes showing stronger earnings. If your child is set on UC Davis, they should investigate whether forestry is the right major or if related fields like environmental science might offer better returns within the UC system.

Where University of California-Davis Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Forestry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (4 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of California-DavisDavis	$15,247	$43,029*	—	$22,607*	—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$55,092*	$67,118	$17,000*	0.31
California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata	$7,913	$52,810*	$51,526	$22,173*	0.42
National Median	—	$43,029*	—	$22,607*	0.53

* Estimated from similar programs

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 University of California-Davis, approximately 31% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.