A forestry degree is a great option for students who are interested in a career in forest management. Those who complete a forestry degree will be prepared for various forestry degree jobs, including consulting forester, environmental biologist, land conservation specialist, and more.
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For students who want to pursue a degree in forestry, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Affordable Graduate and Undergraduate Forestry Degree Programs Available
Graduate Programs
#1. Utah State University
Master of Science in Forestry
Logan, Utah
Students at Utah State University can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Forestry degree. This affordable degree in forestry teaches students about natural resources, conservation, ecosystem management, and much more. Students in this master’s in forestry can also choose to enroll in the Forest Ecology specialization. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Utah State University has received accreditation for this study program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $16,488
Score: 100
#2. University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science in Environmental Studies
Boulder, Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder students can enroll in this Master of Science in Environmental Studies degree. This program is designed to teach students the disciplines needed to work in forestry and environmental studies. By pursuing this affordable forestry degree, students will learn about a variety of topics spanning natural sciences, social sciences, ethics, and more. The University of Colorado Boulder has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This forestry degree is offered on campus.
Tuition: $20,856
Score: 99.75
#3. University of California Berkeley
Master of Ecosystem Management and Forestry
Berkeley, California
University of California Berkeley offers this Master of Ecosystem Management and Forestry degree on campus. Students enrolled in this study program can select from two specializations: a Forestry specialization and a Natural Resource Management specialization. Topics covered in this program include ecology, stewardship, forest management, woodland, and grassland ecosystems. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of California Berkeley has received accreditation for this forestry degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students who complete the Forestry specialization are qualified to take the Registered Professional Forester exam in California, which may qualify them for forestry degree jobs.
Tuition: $22,884
Score: 99.5
#4. University of Florida
Master of Science in Forest Resources & Conservation
Gainesville, Florida
Incoming University of Florida students can enroll in this Master of Science in Forest Resources & Conservation degree. This affordable forestry degree is made available to students on campus. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this program will study ecology, economic sustainability, forest economics, international forestry, remote sensing, urban forestry, and more. The University of Florida has received accreditation for this study program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $25,480
Score: 99.25
#5. Pennsylvania State University
Online Master of Professional Studies Ecosystem Management and Administration
Centre County, Pennsylvania
Students can choose to enroll in this Master of Professional Studies Ecosystem Management and Administration degree offered by Pennsylvania State University. This program of study is offered to students online. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this forestry degree online. Students can expect to complete this program in about two years. Pennsylvania State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Topics covered in this forestry degree online include geographic information management systems, project planning and management, natural sciences, environmental sciences, and much more.
Tuition: $27,720
Score: 99
#6. North Carolina State University
Master of Science in Forestry
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University currently offers students this Master of Science in Forestry degree. By enrolling in this study program, students will work through a curriculum designed to teach them the various skills and disciplines to work in forestry. They will study topics including natural resource economics, hydrology, geospatial analytics, and natural resource management. A total of 40 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided North Carolina State University with accreditation for this master’s in forestry.
Tuition: $28,998
Score: 98.75
#7. University of Washington
Master of Forest Resources Management
Seattle, Washington
Offered to students on-campus, the University of Washington’s Master of Forest Resources Management is a great affordable forestry degree option. The University of Washington has designed this program to complete it in under one year, assuming they already have a bachelor’s in forestry. This program of study has received accreditation from the Society of American Foresters and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program.
Tuition: $32,380
Score: 98.5
#8. University of Kentucky
Master of Science in Forestry
Lexington, Kentucky
Offered by the University of Kentucky, this Master of Science in Forestry is available on campus. Students can choose to enroll in either a thesis or non-these version of this degree program. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn this degree. The University of Kentucky has received accreditation for this degree program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this study include Renewable Natural Resources, Research Methods in Forestry, and much more.
Tuition: $33,216
Score: 98.25
#9. West Virginia University
Master of Science in Forestry
Morgantown, West Virginia
Students at West Virginia University can enroll in this Master of Science in Forestry degree. This program is offered with a Wood Science and Technology Emphasis. Students in this program will study various topics, including biometry, ecology, economics, management, hydrology, and much more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. An additional six credits are needed for those who want to complete the thesis version of this degree. West Virginia University has received accreditation for this study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $41,400
Score: 98
#10. Stephen F Austin State University
Master of Science in Forestry
Nacogdoches, Texas
This Master of Science in Forestry degree is made available to students by Stephen F Austin State University. This affordable forestry degree can be completed in about two years. Stephen F Austin State University only offers this program to students on-campus. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Stephen F Austin State University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Topics covered in this program include silviculture, agroforestry, urban forestry, forest entomology, and much more.
Tuition: $45,560
Score: 97.5
#11. Virginia Tech
Master of Forestry
Blacksburg, Virginia
Students interested in studying at Virginia Tech can enroll in this Master of Forestry degree. This affordable forestry degree is offered to students on-campus. Virginia Tech offers this degree in three different concentration options: forest operations and business, forest resources management, and urban forestry. Students in this program will study forest science, environmental economics, natural resources policy, and much more. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Virginia Tech with accreditation for this degree. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $46,020
Score: 97.25
#12. Auburn University
Master of Science in Forestry
Auburn, Alabama
Auburn University currently offers students this Master of Science in Forestry degree. This program of study is made available on-campus. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Auburn University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students will cover various topics in this program, including forest resources management, wildlife sciences, and more. This degree is a great option for students who are looking for an affordable forestry degree.
Tuition: $49,140
Score: 97
#13. University of Wisconsin
Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology
Madison, Wisconsin
This Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology degree is made available to students by the University of Wisconsin. This affordable forestry degree covers topics including tree physiology, social forestry, landscape ecology, and more. Students in this program will become experts in forest and ecosystem ecology, remote sensing and land-use change, silviculture, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Wisconsin has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $49,200
Score: 96.75
#14. Michigan Technological University
Master of Forestry
Houghton, Michigan
Michigan Technological University offers this Master of Forestry degree to its students on-campus. This degree is a great option for students looking to enroll in an affordable forestry degree program. Students must earn a total of 44 credit hours to complete this degree. Michigan Technological University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to complete this degree in about two years. Some topics covered by this program include fire ecology, forest biomaterials, forest biometry, and more.
Tuition: $49,764
Score: 96.5
#15. Colorado State University
Master of Science in Forest Ecology
Fort Collins, Colorado
Students at Colorado State University can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Forest Ecology degree. This program of study is designed to help students increase their understanding of forest ecosystems. Topics covered by this program include tree physiology, fire ecology, silviculture, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Colorado State University offers this program exclusively on-campus. Students can also choose to participate in a variety of field studies to complete this degree. Colorado State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $61,700
Score: 96.25
#16. California Polytechnic University
Master of Science in Forestry Sciences
San Luis Obispo, California
California Polytechnic University offers this Master of Science in Forestry Sciences degree to its students on-campus. Students can select from two different areas of emphasis: Forest Resource Sciences or Environmental Management. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. California Polytechnic University has received accreditation for degrees from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This program’s topics include fire science, forest management, forest health, hydrology, and more.
Tuition: $14,469
Score: 96
Undergraduate Degrees
#17. Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry
Starkville, Mississippi
Mississippi State University students can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry degree. This affordable forestry degree is a great option for students who want to help conserve and promote wildlife and greenery in an urban setting. A total of 128 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Mississippi State University has received accreditation for this study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this program include Natural Resource Policy, Forest Biometrics, Practice of Silviculture, and more.
Tuition: $35,640
Score: 95.75
#18. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Manchester, New Hampshire
Students at Southern New Hampshire University can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree entirely online. This program of study is a great option for those looking for an affordable bachelor’s in forestry degree. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Southern New Hampshire University has received accreditation for this study program from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program include Geology, Environmental Ethics, Environmental Sciences, and much more.
Tuition: $38,400
Score: 95.5
#19. South Illinois University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Carbondale, Illinois
Southern Illinois University offers students this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree on-campus. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this bachelor’s in forestry. Southern Illinois University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in about two years. Students will study topics including forestry management, park and recreational land management, ecology, environmental education, and many others throughout this program.
Tuition: $38,520
Score: 95.25
#20. University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Moscow, Idaho
This Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree is offered to students by the University of Idaho. Students enrolled in this bachelor’s in forestry program can expect to complete this degree in about four years. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Courses in this study include Principles of Ecology, Dendrology, Forest Measurement and Inventory, and more. The University of Idaho has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This degree program is offered exclusively on-campus.
Tuition: $49,800
Score: 95
#21. Unity College
Online Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation
Unity, Maine
Students at Unity College can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation degree. This bachelor’s in forestry is offered to students online. Unity College has received accreditation for this degree from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Students enrolled in this degree will gain access to one of the top affordable forestry degrees. Courses in this program include Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation, Population Management for Wildlife and Fisheries, and much more.
Tuition: $56,400
Score: 94.75
#22. Southern University & A&M College
Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry and Natural Resources
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Southern University & A&M College offers this Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry and Natural Resources degree to its students. This program of study is a great affordable bachelor’s in forestry degree option for students. Southern University & A&M College offers this degree to students on-campus. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Southern University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this program include Biometrics, Urban Dendrology, Arboriculture, and more.
Tuition: $60,240
Score: 94.5
#23. University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Science in Forest and Natural Resource Management
Minneapolis, Minnesota
This Bachelor of Science in Forest and Natural Resource Management degree is offered to students by the University of Minnesota. This degree program is offered in three different tracks: Forest Ecosystem Management & Conservation, Park & Protected Area Management, and Urban & Community Forestry. This program of study is offered to students on campus. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Minnesota has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $61,560
Score: 94.25
#24. University of Montana
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Missoula, Montana
Students enrolled at the University of Montana can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree. This program of study is a great option for students looking for an affordable bachelor’s in forestry degree. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Montana has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This program is designed to be completed in four years. Courses in this program include Timber Harvesting & Roads, Watershed Hydrology, Forest Mensuration, and more. The University of Montana only offers this program on-campus.
Tuition: $63,360
Score: 94
#25. University of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts in Forestry
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia offers this Bachelor of Arts in Forestry degree to its students. This affordable forestry degree is offered to students on-campus. A total of 125 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students in this program will study Forest Mensuration, Forest Management, Forest Economics, Forest Harvesting and Roads, and more. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Georgia with accreditation for this degree program. This degree program is designed to be completed in four years.
Tuition: $75,480
Score: 93.5
#26. Clemson University
Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson University students can choose to enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management degree. This program of study is offered to students on-campus. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in four years. A total of 130 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Clemson University with accreditation for this degree program. Courses in this program include Harvesting Processes, Forest Resource Management and Regulation, Forested Watershed Management, and more.
Tuition: $76,224
Score: 93.25
#27. Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Forestry
College Station, Texas
This Bachelor of Forestry degree is offered to students by Texas A&M University. This affordable forestry degree is a great option for students who want to learn the skills and techniques needed to work in forestry. Students will study topics including stewardship, forest resource management, urban forestry, and much more. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Texas A&M University with accreditation for this degree. Students can expect to complete this degree in four years.
Tuition: $88,560
Score: 93
#28. Iowa State University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University students can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree. This study program is a great option for students who want to enroll in one of the top affordable forestry degrees. A total of 128 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Iowa State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. This program can be completed in about four. Courses in this program include Dendrology, Fire Ecology and Management, Watershed Management, and more. This is a great degree option for those who want a career in forestry.
Tuition: $92,920
Score: 92.75
#29. Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Flagstaff, Arizona
Students can choose to enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree. This degree program is a great option for students looking for an affordable forestry degree. This particular program is offered to students on-campus. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this bachelor’s in forestry degree. Through this degree, students will work through a curriculum designed to teach them all the skills and techniques needed for various careers in forestry. Some of the courses in this program include Human Dimensions of Forest Management, Wildlife Ecology and Management, Forest Health and Ecological Restoration, and more.
Tuition: $95,480
Score: 92.5
#30. Purdue University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University offers students this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree program. This affordable forestry degree is offered to students entirely on-campus. Students will learn across disciplines the skills needed to implement a sustainable forest management plan through the pursuit of this degree. Courses in this degree program include Spatial Ecology, Arboricultural Practices, Insects of Urban Landscapes, and much more. A total of 128 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Purdue University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $115,176
Score: 94.5
#31. University of Maine
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Orono, Maine
This Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree is made available by the University of Maine. The University of Maine offers this degree on-campus. Students can expect to complete this degree in four years. By pursuing this degree program, students will develop an understanding of various topics, including ecology, tree culture, soil science, biology, and more. The New England Commission on Higher Education has provided the University of Maine with accreditation for this degree.
Tuition: $120,120
Score: 94.25
#32. University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Knoxville, Tennessee
Students enrolled at the University of Tennessee can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree. Through this program, students will learn the disciplines and skills needed to work in forestry. They will learn the science and skills needed to manage and care for forested areas. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Tennessee has received accreditation for this study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Some of the program courses include Prescribed Fire Management, Forest Resource Inventory, Forest Products Industry, and more.
Tuition: $131,456
Score: 94
#33. Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Corvallis, Oregon
Oregon State University offers this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree to its students. This program is offered to students on-campus. Through this affordable forestry degree, students will learn about forests’ biological, ecological, and economic characteristics. They will learn the skills needed for active forest management and all that entails. Oregon State University has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $148,491
Score: 93.75
#34. University of Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science and Management with Emphasis in Forest Resources
Columbia, Missouri
Students at the University of Missouri can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science and Management with Emphasis on Forest Resources. This degree is offered to students on-campus. By pursuing this degree program, students will learn the skills needed for forest management. They will cover topics including fire ecology, silviculture, forest stand dynamics, and more. A total of 120 credits are needed to graduate with this degree. Courses in this program include Forest Economics, Forest Resource Management, Plant Anatomy, and more. The University of Missouri has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $164,544
Score: 93.5
#35. Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University offers students this Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree. This program of study is a great option for students who are looking for an affordable bachelor’s in forestry degree. Students must enroll in this degree on-campus. Michigan State University expects students to be able to complete this degree in about four years. Topics in this program include urban and community forestry, carbon and climate change, forest management, and much more. Michigan State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $199,928
Score: 94.5
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This concludes our ranking of the top affordable forestry degrees.
NPCO Staff
