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Sustainability Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

University of Florida stands as the clear outlier among affordable Sustainability Studies programs, combining a $6,351 net price with graduates earning $36,745 annually and maintaining a 91.50% graduation rate. This performance gap becomes stark when comparing Florida's 23.35% acceptance rate to programs like University of North Alabama, which accepts 95.68% of applicants but costs nearly double at $11,024 net price. The earnings spread across these 15 programs ranges from $27,295 to $36,745, reflecting the growing but varied job market for sustainability professionals. Western states particularly benefit from renewable energy expansion and environmental consulting demand, with employers like Tesla, Patagonia, and numerous solar companies actively recruiting graduates. Public institutions dominate this affordable tier, with net prices spanning $2,943 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $13,172 at University of Utah, while Christian Brothers University remains the sole private option at $10,896 net cost.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $18,430
Net Price Range
$34,527
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Sustainability Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $6,342 $2,700 25.9%
3 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
5 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
6 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $9,421 $3,284 27.3%
8 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
9 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
10 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
11 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
12 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
13 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
14 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
15 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
16 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
17 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
18 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
19 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
20 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
21 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
22 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
23 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
24 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
25 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
26 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
27 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
28 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
29 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
30 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
31 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
32 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
33 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
34 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
35 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
36 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
37 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
38 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
39 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
40 $18,021 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
41 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
42 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
43 $18,217 $12,640 57.0% 94.3%
44 $18,225 $16,530 17.6% 94.3%
45 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
46 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
47 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
48 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
49 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
50 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate differences between similar-cost programs?

University of Florida achieves a 91.50% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, while Colorado Mountain College graduates just 25.90% of students despite charging only $6,342. Student preparation levels and institutional support systems create these gaps. Florida's selective 23.35% acceptance rate ensures well-prepared incoming students, whereas community colleges like Colorado Mountain often serve students needing additional academic support.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

University of Florida graduates earn $36,745 annually at a $6,351 net price, delivering strong return on investment. Colorado Mountain College graduates earn $27,295 despite the lowest net price of $6,342, creating a $9,450 earnings gap. This 35% difference reflects regional job markets and program depth rather than simple cost relationships.

Is CUNY Brooklyn College really the most affordable option at $2,943?

CUNY Brooklyn College offers the lowest net price at $2,943, though this reflects substantial state subsidies for New York residents. The published in-state tuition of $7,452 shows the actual educational cost before financial aid. Students graduate at a 56.60% rate with 54.54% of applicants gaining admission, making it accessible but moderately selective.

Does attending a private university provide better value in Sustainability Studies?

Christian Brothers University represents the only private option at $10,896 net cost, compared to a $37,300 sticker price. The 56% graduation rate matches several public alternatives costing $3,000 less annually. Private institutions may offer smaller class sizes and specialized internships, but public programs generally provide better financial value in this field.

Where do graduates find the best job opportunities after these programs?

Western states like Utah, Colorado, and California offer growing markets for sustainability professionals through renewable energy projects and environmental consulting firms. Florida provides opportunities in coastal management and sustainable tourism, while graduates earn between $27,295 and $36,745 depending on regional demand. Corporate sustainability roles in major cities typically offer the highest starting salaries for program graduates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.