What is the starting salary for Forestry & Natural Resources graduates in Plano?

The estimated starting salary for Forestry & Natural Resources graduates in Plano, TX is $42,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Plano are 15% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Forestry & Natural Resources degree worth it in Plano?

A Forestry & Natural Resources degree in Plano has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $265,012 after subtracting education costs. With 9 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $2,220/year, Plano offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Forestry & Natural Resources in Plano?

The average annual public university tuition in Plano is $2,220, while private universities average $39,702/year. Including room and board ($12,277/year), total 4-year costs range from $57,988 at a public school to $207,916 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Plano is $15,063/year.

What jobs can Forestry & Natural Resources graduates get in Plano?

Forestry & Natural Resources graduates in Plano can pursue careers as Forester, Wildlife Biologist, Park Ranger, Conservation Officer. Key skills valued by local employers include Forest Management, GIS, Wildlife Biology, Fire Management. The Plano job market features Agribusiness, Government agencies, Research institutes among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include US Forest Service, National Park Service, State DNR.

How long to pay off student loans for Forestry & Natural Resources in Plano?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Forestry & Natural Resources graduates in Plano would pay $658/month on an estimated $57,988 in loans, with $21,025 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,135/month but save $10,937 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $42,500, monthly payments would represent 19% of gross monthly income.

Forestry & Natural Resources Degree in Plano, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

Forestry & Natural Resources degree analysis for Plano, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$43K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$55K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Plano

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Forestry & Natural Resources in Plano, TX Overview

Plano, Texas (pop. 285,494) has 9 colleges offering Forestry & Natural Resources programs. The local cost of living index of 85 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $849/month. Forestry & Natural Resources enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Forest Management and GIS. The adjusted starting salary in Plano is approximately $42,500.

Forestry & Natural Resources Salary in Plano (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Plano's cost of living index of 85 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,500($-7,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$55,250($-9,750 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$68,000($-12,000 vs national)

Note: National average Forestry & Natural Resources salary: $50,000 starting, $65,000 mid-career, $80,000 senior level.Plano adjustment factor: 0.85x based on the local cost of living index.

Forestry & Natural Resources ROI Calculator for Plano

Estimate your return on investment for a Forestry & Natural Resources degree using local Plano tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $2,220 | Private avg: $39,702

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Plano avg aid: $15,063/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$57,988

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,750

vs HS diploma in Plano

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Plano

$265,012

Lifetime earnings premium ($323,000) minus total education cost ($57,988)

Student Loan Payoff for Forestry & Natural Resources in Plano

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$57,988

Monthly Payment$658

Total Interest$21,025

% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$57,988

Monthly Payment$1,135

Total Interest$10,088

Interest Savings$10,937

Colleges in Plano for Forestry & Natural Resources

Collin College University Center

public

$2,220/yr

$8,880 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Collin College

$2,220/yr

Top Employers for Forestry & Natural Resources in Plano

Plano offers opportunities in Agribusiness, Government agencies, Research institutes for Forestry & Natural Resources graduates. National top employers in this field include:

US Forest ServiceNational Park ServiceState DNRWeyerhaeuserTimber Companies

Key Plano Hiring Sectors for Agriculture

Agribusiness

Government agencies

Research institutes

Food companies

Conservation orgs

Common Forestry & Natural Resources Job Titles

ForesterWildlife BiologistPark RangerConservation Officer

Forestry & Natural Resources in Nearby Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$58K starting · COL 115

90 colleges

San Antonio, TX

$60K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Dallas, TX

$52K starting · COL 104

82 colleges

Austin, TX

$54K starting · COL 107

30 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$51K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

El Paso, TX

$47K starting · COL 93

38 colleges

Arlington, TX

$47K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$41K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Other Agriculture Majors in Plano

Agricultural Science

$43K starting · 4 yr ROI

Agricultural Business

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Animal Science

$43K starting · 5 yr ROI

Veterinary Technology

$43K starting · 4.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Forestry & Natural Resources degree outcomes in Plano, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Forestry & Natural Resources programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Plano using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Forestry & Natural Resources graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Forestry & Natural Resources career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Forestry & Natural Resources grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Plano Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Forestry & Natural Resources Degree in Plano — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Forestry & Natural Resources ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Plano.

Forestry & Natural Resources Overview Colleges in Plano All Majors