Forestry at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,435/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 of 29 Forestry programs Top 50%

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 $583K $577K $536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.4x 10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,698
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,641
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Arizona University's Forestry program produces graduates earning $40,435/yr — within striking distance of the $42,702 national average for this field.

With a 11.4x 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.

At $22,698 against $40,435/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #11 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places Northern Arizona University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $40,435-to-$61,641 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Arizona University

A 91% acceptance rate means Northern Arizona University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →

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 Northern Arizona University

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at Northern Arizona University?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Forestry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →