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Forestry at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,138/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 29 Forestry programs

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 $513K $512K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.7x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,608
Out-of-state: $126,488 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,472
-110% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,255
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $31,138/yr fall 27% below the $42,702 national median for Forestry. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Forestry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #24 ranking among 29 Forestry programs places The University of Montana in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,138-to-$48,255 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Montana

The University of Montana has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,079 students in Missoula, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →

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

Compare this program → View all 29 schools offering Forestry →

Forestry at Other Schools

North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($61,142) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($55,092) Clemson University ($53,850) California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt ($52,810) Auburn University ($51,421) University of Idaho ($47,399) University of Georgia ($47,214) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($45,817)

Other Majors at The University of Montana

Management Information Systems and Services ($54,816) Accounting and Related Services ($47,164) Biology, General ($43,914) Sociology ($39,160) Political Science and Government ($38,094) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($37,784) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($36,142) Journalism ($35,924)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Forestry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at The University of Montana?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Forestry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is The University of Montana a good choice for Forestry despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Montana's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →