Forestry at West Virginia University

West Virginia University's forestry program delivers what anxious parents should hope for: manageable debt and solid income growth trajectory. Graduates start at $43,228—essentially matching the national median—but jump to $54,006 within four years. That 25% earnings growth suggests real career progression, while the debt load of $23,371 means payments won't consume early paychecks. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, graduates are looking at monthly loan payments around $260, which is highly manageable on a $43,000 starting salary.

The program's position at the 52nd percentile nationally tells you it's competitive but not elite. Since WVU is the only four-year forestry program in West Virginia, in-state students have limited alternatives if they want to stay local while entering this field. The 86% admission rate means most students can access the program without intense competition, though the moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests it's a smaller, potentially more specialized cohort.

For a student genuinely interested in forestry and natural resource management, this program offers straightforward value: reasonable debt, steady employment outcomes, and meaningful income growth once established in the field. The numbers won't wow anyone, but they represent a stable investment in a specialized career path.