Program Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Forestry graduates start at $35,398/yr, trailing the $42,702 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
The 10.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,500 debt-to-$35,398 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #22 out of 29 programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's financial outcomes for Forestry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $35,398 to $54,092 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.