Analysis
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities forestry program starts graduates at a solid $43,842—slightly above the national median—but the real story is what happens next. Within four years, earnings jump 30% to $57,000, well above what most forestry programs deliver. That trajectory matters because it suggests graduates are moving into supervisory or specialized roles faster than their peers elsewhere.
With debt at $23,059 and a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, the program offers reasonable financial footing from day one. You're not looking at the aggressive debt loads that plague some environmental science programs. As the only forestry bachelor's program in Minnesota, direct in-state comparisons aren't possible, but ranking in the 60th percentile among Minnesota programs generally and 57th percentile nationally indicates middle-of-the-pack initial positioning that improves meaningfully over time.
The caveat: this assessment reflects a moderate cohort size, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. For students genuinely committed to forestry careers—whether in conservation, timber management, or urban forestry—this program combines manageable debt with clear earnings momentum. The four-year trajectory suggests employers value what graduates learn here.
Where University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all forestry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $43,842 | $57,000 | +30% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $55,092 | $67,118 | +22% |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $61,142 | $63,034 | +3% |
| University of Georgia | $47,214 | $58,005 | +23% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $45,817 | $56,777 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Forestry bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $43,842 | $57,000 | $23,059 | 0.53 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $61,142 | $63,034 | $24,749 | 0.40 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $55,092 | $67,118 | $17,000 | 0.31 |
 Clemson UniversityClemson | $15,554 | $53,850 | $43,033 | $24,700 | 0.46 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $52,810 | $51,526 | $22,173 | 0.42 |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $51,421 | $52,321 | $20,500 | 0.40 |
| National Median | — | $43,029 | — | $22,607 | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with forestry graduates
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Conservation Scientists
Range Managers
Park Naturalists
Foresters
Forest and Conservation Workers
Forest and Conservation Technicians
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities, approximately 17% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.