Forestry at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 represents a manageable financial start—borrowing roughly half a year's salary is well within recommended guidelines. Forestry programs nationally produce consistent outcomes: the national median sits at $43,029, with top programs reaching only about $2,800 higher. This narrow range suggests the field rewards practical skills and credentials over institutional prestige, which should temper concerns about whether UW-Seattle specifically delivers strong value compared to other forestry schools.

The challenge here is what these estimates can't tell you. With only two forestry programs in Washington and no reported earnings data for either, you're making a decision with limited visibility into how UW-Seattle's specific curriculum, faculty connections, and employer relationships translate to graduate outcomes. The Pacific Northwest is prime forestry territory, which could mean strong regional job networks—or intense competition for limited positions. The university's 15% Pell grant rate suggests fewer low-income students are choosing this path, possibly signaling awareness of limited financial upside or simply reflecting who typically enters natural resource fields.

The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to forestry as a career, the estimated debt burden won't be crushing. But verify that this specific program has placement relationships with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, federal land agencies, or private timber companies. Without those connections, even reasonable debt becomes harder to service if graduates struggle to break into the field.