2026 Best Value Forestry Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Forestry bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 136 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, our #1 best-value Forestry school in the United States. Located in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $10,588. Graduates carry a median of $20,282 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,996. That is a strong return on a $20,282 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
You'll get strong value at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $24,749 to complete their Forestry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. The median Forestry program debt is $24,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Set against $24,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry alumni report median earnings of $55,763 a decade after entry. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry report
A rank of #5 makes Southern Illinois University Carbondale one of the best values in the United States. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. The median Forestry program debt is $21,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University
Washington State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Forestry program debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University
Iowa State University placed #8 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Forestry student debt is $19,437. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Iowa State University
Louisiana Tech University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
Mississippi State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. The median Forestry program debt is $19,750. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Auburn University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Forestry students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
Humboldt State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arcata, CA, Humboldt State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Typical Forestry student debt is $22,173. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,626. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Humboldt State University
University Of Georgia came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,607 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Forestry student debt is $20,919. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $20,919 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
West Virginia University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,371 to complete their Forestry program here. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about West Virginia University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Forestry students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Forestry student debt is $19,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Forestry program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Clemson University placed #20 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Forestry students take on a median of $24,700 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. See the full Clemson University profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Forestry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of Idaho
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. This public school is set in Reno, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Forestry student debt is $19,918. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
Oregon State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Oregon State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Forestry student debt is $23,059. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade 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
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Forestry students take on a median of $15,512 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Forestry Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. The median Forestry program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Northern Arizona University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,811 to complete their Forestry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. That is a strong return on a $21,811 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Northland College placed #29 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. Northland College is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,403. Typical Forestry student debt is $26,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,560 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Northland College
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Students borrow a median of $24,200 to complete their Forestry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Forestry students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Forestry students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of California Davis ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Forestry students take on a median of $14,404 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science placed #34 among the best-value Forestry schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Paul Smiths, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,009. Graduates carry a median of $25,443 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,145. That is a strong return on a $25,443 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science profile
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Maine placed #36 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, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. University Of Maine Forestry students take on a median of $23,618 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,618 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full University Of Maine report
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Forestry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. The University Of Montana Forestry students take on a median of $24,342 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Montana profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Forestry students take on a median of $26,368 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Set against $26,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Vermont landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Vermont is a public school based in Burlington, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Forestry student debt is $22,607. University Of Vermont alumni report median earnings of $62,472 a decade after entry. Set against $22,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
Kent State University At East Liverpool offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Kent State University At East Liverpool
Miami University Oxford ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford
South Georgia Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. More on South Georgia Technical College
Southern Arkansas University Tech ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. See the full Southern Arkansas University Tech profile
Rollins College
Rollins College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Rollins College
Modesto Junior College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Forestry schools. See the full Modesto Junior College profile
Vermont Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Vermont Technical College
Western Nebraska Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Western Nebraska Community College
Green River Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Green River Community College
Wayne Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Wayne Community College report
Related Forestry Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Forestry Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Forestry Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Forestry Associate’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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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