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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Forestry, General Schools in the Far Western Region

2 Colleges in the United States
$13,677 Avg Student Debt
$47,419 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Forestry, General Badge [Forestry, General](/majors/natural-resources-conservation/forestry/general-forestry/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 16 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value forestry, general schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Forestry, General Schools in the Far Western Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in forestry, general, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Forestry, General Schools

1
Reedley College crest
Reedley College
Reedley, CA

Reedley College earned the #1 spot for value among forestry, general schools in the Far Western Region. Reedley College is a large public school located in the town of Reedley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete the forestry, general program here. Soon after graduation, forestry, general degree recipients from Reedley College generally make around $30,520. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA

Citrus College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value forestry, general schools. Set in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,204, compared with $10,636 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,065 ten years after entry.

3
Bakersfield College crest
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA

A rank of #3 makes Bakersfield College one of the best values for forestry, general. Bakersfield College is a very large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,430, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Forestry, General graduates carry a median of $9,419 in student loans. Forestry, General graduates of Bakersfield College earn a median of $86,312 early in their careers. Set against $9,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4
Lake Tahoe Community College crest
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, CA

A rank of #4 makes Lake Tahoe Community College one of the best values for forestry, general. Located in the rural area of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,131, with out-of-state students paying around $11,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,657 ten years after entry.

5

A rank of #5 makes Humboldt State University one of the best values for forestry, general. Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Arcata. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Forestry, General graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. Soon after graduation, forestry, general degree recipients from Humboldt State University generally make around $52,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.

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6

Columbia College Sonora came in at #6 for value in forestry, general this year. Located in the rural area of Sonora, Columbia College Sonora is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,282, compared with $9,264 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for forestry, general graduates is $13,293. Soon after graduation, forestry, general degree recipients from Columbia College Sonora generally make around $103,727. Set against $13,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #7 among the best values for forestry, general. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for forestry, general graduates is $17,000. Forestry, General graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $55,092 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 16 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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