Forestry at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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.