2026 Best Value Forestry Schools
Looking for the best-value Forestry programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 136 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Forestry Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Haywood Community College this year in the United States. Set in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,580, compared with $8,724 for out-of-state students. Haywood Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,770 a decade after entry. See the full Haywood Community College profile
Out of the 136 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Pennsylvania College Of Technology landed the #2 spot. Located in Williamsport, PA, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. The median Forestry program debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,567 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Pennsylvania College Of Technology
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, compared with $10,588 for out-of-state students. The median Forestry program debt is $20,282. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College alumni report median earnings of $34,996 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #4 on this year's best-value Forestry ranking in the United States. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $24,893 to complete their Forestry program here. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,893 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
You'll get strong value at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $24,749 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $24,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public school based in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
University Of Georgia landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Forestry student debt is $22,607. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,607 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia
Oregon State University placed #8 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Typical Forestry student debt is $24,043. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Set against $24,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
Glenville State College placed #9 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Glenville State College is a public school based in Glenville, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $11,354. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,315 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Get the full Glenville State College report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,512 to complete their Forestry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Loyola University Chicago came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Forestry program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. More on Loyola University Chicago
Hocking College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Based in Nelsonville, OH, Hocking College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $10,290. The median Forestry program debt is $16,535. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,791. That is a strong return on a $16,535 median debt. Read more about Hocking College
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Typical Forestry student debt is $22,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Stephen F Austin State University
Washington State University placed #15 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Forestry students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Forestry program here. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
Iowa State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Forestry students take on a median of $19,437 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $19,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
Auburn University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Forestry program here. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on Auburn University
University Of California Berkeley ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Forestry student debt is $14,238. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Mississippi State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical Forestry student debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Mississippi State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Forestry students take on a median of $20,919 in debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $20,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Humboldt State University placed #23 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Humboldt State University is a public school based in Arcata, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,397 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. The median Forestry program debt is $22,173. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,626 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Humboldt State University report
Clemson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,700 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,700 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Michigan Technological University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Forestry program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan Technological University
West Virginia University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Graduates carry a median of $23,371 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. More on West Virginia University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Forestry Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Forestry students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Forestry program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Forestry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical Forestry student debt is $13,296. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Get the full Duke University report
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Forestry students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of Idaho
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Forestry student debt is $21,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Typical Forestry student debt is $19,918. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #34 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $23,059 to complete their Forestry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $23,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Forestry students take on a median of $24,200 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Florida placed #36 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,512 to complete their Forestry program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,512 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Forestry students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Paul Smiths, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $33,009. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science Forestry students take on a median of $25,443 in debt. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science alumni report median earnings of $46,145 a decade after entry. Set against $25,443 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science
Northern Arizona University placed #39 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,811 to complete their Forestry program here. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Set against $21,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Arizona University
Northland College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Northland College is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,403. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,560 ten years after entry. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Northland College report
University Of Kentucky placed #41 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Forestry student debt is $24,094. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Michigan State University placed #42 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of California Davis ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Forestry students take on a median of $14,404 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Maine placed #44 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Graduates carry a median of $23,618 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Set against $23,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maine profile
The University Of Tennessee landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median Forestry program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
The University Of Montana placed #46 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete their Forestry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,511 ten years after entry. Set against $24,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on The University Of Montana
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Students borrow a median of $26,368 to complete their Forestry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #48 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Forestry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Vermont offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Burlington, VT. In-state tuition and fees average $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. The median Forestry program debt is $22,607. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. That is a strong return on a $22,607 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Vermont
Green River Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. See the full Green River Community College profile
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Pennsylvania State University Main Campus profile
Best Value Forestry Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Forestry Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 136 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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