Forestry at University of Idaho

Moscow, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,399/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,100 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 29 Forestry programs Top 25%

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 $559K $554K $516K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.8x 15.7x 14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 45% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,264
Out-of-state: $119,136 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,128
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,155
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,399 per year, Forestry graduates from University of Idaho earn slightly above the $42,702 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

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

The median debt load of $16,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Idaho ranks #5 among 29 Forestry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 27% earnings increase from $47,399 to $60,155 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Idaho

With 79% of applicants admitted, University of Idaho prioritizes broad access, serving 7,363 students in Moscow, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Idaho →

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 University of Idaho

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Forestry at University of Idaho?
At 52/100, University of Idaho's Forestry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is University of Idaho one of the best schools for Forestry?
Among 29 Forestry programs, University of Idaho's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →