Forestry is the science of managing and caring for forests, which are important for our environment and provide us with resources like wood and clean air. If you love nature and want to help protect it, studying forestry might be the perfect choice for you. These colleges provide excellent opportunities to study forestry, offering hands-on training, research opportunities, and internships to prepare you for a career in this important field. Whether you want to manage forests, work in conservation, or conduct research, these schools can help you achieve your goals! Here are the 30 best colleges for forestry in 2024. We’ll give you the scoop on their grades, test scores, how hard it is to get in, what you need to apply, job prospects, and cool things about each school.
1. Oregon State University
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1210
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many secure jobs with government agencies, non-profits, and private companies.
Academic Highlights: OSU’s forestry program offers hands-on fieldwork and access to over 14,000 acres of research forests. Students can participate in internships and research projects focused on forest health, conservation, and sustainable management.
2. University of Washington
GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates find jobs in forest conservation, policy, and management. Many work for government agencies or continue their studies in graduate programs.
Academic Highlights: The UW program emphasizes ecological restoration and sustainable forest management. Students have opportunities for research, internships, and field studies in diverse forest ecosystems.
3. Colorado State University
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental consulting. Some pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: CSU offers extensive fieldwork and research opportunities. Students can engage in hands-on learning in the nearby Rocky Mountains and participate in internships and study abroad programs.
4. University of California, Berkeley
GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in forest policy, conservation, and research. Many secure positions with government agencies, non-profits, and private firms.
Academic Highlights: UC Berkeley’s forestry program focuses on sustainable management and conservation. Students have access to the University’s forest research stations and can participate in innovative research and fieldwork.
You may also like to read
- What are the Best Colleges for Forensic Science 2024
- 30 Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering in USA 2024
- 35 Best Colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics 2024
- 25 Best Colleges for Animal Science 2024
5. University of Montana
GPA: 3.3
Median SAT: 1170
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, fire ecology, and conservation. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: The University of Montana offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the vast wilderness areas of Montana.
6. Northern Arizona University
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and fire ecology. Many secure jobs with government agencies, non-profits, and private companies.
Academic Highlights: NAU provides extensive fieldwork opportunities in the nearby forests. Students can participate in research projects, internships, and hands-on learning experiences focused on sustainable forestry and conservation.
7. University of Idaho
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1190
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many find positions with government agencies and private firms.
Academic Highlights: The University of Idaho offers hands-on learning in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the vast forests of Idaho.
8. University of Georgia
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many secure jobs with government agencies, non-profits, and private companies.
Academic Highlights: UGA’s forestry program emphasizes sustainable forest management and conservation. Students have opportunities for research, internships, and field studies in diverse forest ecosystems.
9. Michigan State University
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: MSU offers extensive fieldwork and research opportunities. Students can engage in hands-on learning in nearby forests and participate in internships and study abroad programs.
10. North Carolina State University
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1290
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and policy. Many secure jobs with government agencies, non-profits, and private firms.
Academic Highlights: NC State’s forestry program focuses on sustainable management and conservation. Students have access to the university’s research forests and can participate in innovative research and fieldwork.
11. University of Maine
GPA: 3.3
Median SAT: 1170
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: The University of Maine offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the vast forests of Maine.
12. Auburn University
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Auburn’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
13. University of Minnesota
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and policy. Many secure jobs with government agencies, non-profits, and private firms.
Academic Highlights: The University of Minnesota’s forestry program focuses on sustainable management and conservation. Students have access to the university’s research forests and can participate in innovative research and fieldwork.
14. University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: UW-Madison offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in diverse forest environments.
Best College for Forestry
15. Yale University
GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1460
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest policy, conservation, and research. Many secure positions with government agencies, non-profits, and private firms.
Academic Highlights: Yale’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies is renowned for its focus on sustainable management and conservation. Students have access to extensive research opportunities and can participate in fieldwork around the world.
16. University of Vermont
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: UVM’s forestry program offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the forests of Vermont.
17. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: SUNY ESF offers extensive fieldwork and research opportunities. Students can engage in hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems and participate in internships and study abroad programs.
18. University of Tennessee
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: The University of Tennessee’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
19. University of Kentucky
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: The University of Kentucky offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the forests of Kentucky.
20. Texas A&M University
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Texas A&M’s forestry program emphasizes sustainable management and conservation. Students have opportunities for research, internships, and field studies in diverse forest ecosystems.
21. Humboldt State University
GPA: 3.2
Median SAT: 1140
Median ACT: 23
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: Humboldt State offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the forests of Northern California.
22. University of Massachusetts Amherst
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UMass Amherst’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
23. University of Missouri
GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: The University of Missouri offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the forests of Missouri.
24. Clemson University
GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1290
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Clemson’s forestry program emphasizes sustainable management and conservation. Students have access to the university’s research forests and can participate in innovative research and fieldwork.
25. University of Arkansas
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1190
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: The University of Arkansas offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the forests of Arkansas.
26. Washington State University
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: WSU’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
27. University of Florida
GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1330
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: UF offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in diverse forest environments.
28. University of New Hampshire
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1210
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UNH’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
29. University of Alaska Fairbanks
GPA: 3.3
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and research. Many find jobs with government agencies and non-profits.
Academic Highlights: UAF offers hands-on training in forest ecosystems. Students can participate in fieldwork, research projects, and internships in the vast forests of Alaska.
30. Montana State University
GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1190
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in forest management, conservation, and environmental consulting. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Montana State’s forestry program emphasizes practical fieldwork and research. Students have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning in diverse forest ecosystems.
Best Forestry Schools in the US – Conclusion
Choosing the right college for forestry is a crucial step towards a rewarding career in managing and protecting our forests. These 30 best colleges for forestry in 2024 offer exceptional academic programs, hands-on fieldwork, and extensive research opportunities to prepare you for success. With access to diverse forest ecosystems and experienced faculty, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Attending one of these top schools will equip you to pursue careers in forest management, conservation, policy, and research, ensuring a sustainable future for our forests and natural resources.