Forestry at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,810/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 29 Forestry programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Forestry graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $573K $567K $527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.1x 17.9x 16.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.2x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 57 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,673
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Forestry graduates start at $52,810/yr — above the $42,702 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,000 in median debt clears quickly against $52,810 in annual earnings.

At #3 of 29 programs, this Forestry program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 21% earnings increase from $52,810 to $63,673 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Foresters $70,660/yr
Conservation scientists $67,950/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Forestry at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 57/100, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Forestry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →