Forestry (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Missouri-Columbia

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,029

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,607

Est. from national median (25 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $22,600 for bachelor's-level forestry training—based on what similar programs nationally produce—positions graduates reasonably well in a field where starting salaries cluster tightly. With comparable forestry programs nationally reporting first-year earnings near $43,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment struggles. This suggests graduates can manage their loans on an entry-level natural resources salary, though they won't be living luxuriously.

Missouri's forestry sector tilts heavily toward federal and state land management positions, where salaries follow structured pay scales and advancement depends more on experience and certifications than on where you earned your degree. The University of Missouri-Columbia's land-grant mission and established Extension program provide practical advantages—hands-on research opportunities and industry connections that matter more in this field than classroom prestige. However, forestry careers rarely command premium salaries even mid-career, so students planning graduate work or hoping for rapid income growth should recalibrate expectations.

For families comfortable with public-sector career trajectories and outdoor work, the financial picture here looks manageable based on peer program outcomes. The debt burden won't crush early-career earnings, but this isn't a path to rapid loan payoff either. Students certain about forestry as a calling—not just those who "like nature"—will find the investment defensible.

Where University of Missouri-Columbia Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Forestry bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$43,029*	—	$22,607*	—
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

* 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 Missouri-Columbia, approximately 20% 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.