Forestry at University of Wisconsin-Madison

A $22,607 debt load for a bachelor's degree is manageable, but forestry graduates from comparable programs nationwide typically earn $43,029 in their first year—a salary that creates a tight but workable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio. UW-Madison's strong academic reputation (average SAT of 1402) suggests this program could attract competitive employers, though forestry itself isn't a high-paying field even from top-tier schools. The national data shows little variation: even programs at the 75th percentile only reach $45,817 in first-year earnings.

The limited number of forestry programs nationally (59 total) reflects the field's specialized nature, and Wisconsin has just three options. UW-Stevens Point reports actual first-year earnings of $41,177 for its forestry graduates, which aligns closely with these estimates and suggests the projections are realistic for the state's job market. Forestry careers often prioritize factors beyond starting salary—job stability, outdoor work, and environmental impact—but families should understand this degree won't deliver rapid debt payoff.

Your child would enter a field where mid-$40,000 salaries are standard regardless of school prestige, making the relatively modest debt at UW-Madison more defensible than it would be at a pricier private institution. Just ensure they're committed to the career path itself, not betting on dramatic salary growth.