Skip to main content
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo delivers the strongest return on investment for environmental engineering students in California, with graduates earning $63,005 annually after a net cost of just $15,624. This significant earnings premium reflects California's leadership in clean technology and environmental services, where companies like Tesla and countless renewable energy firms compete for skilled engineers. The state's 12 programs show dramatic cost variations, from UC San Diego's $11,750 net price to USC's $31,927, yet all benefit from proximity to the nation's largest economy and strictest environmental regulations that drive consistent demand for environmental expertise.
12
Programs
$11,750 – $31,927
Net Price Range
$45,547
Avg. Program Earnings
82.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,624 $63,005 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
2 $13,167 $48,265 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
3 $13,707 $42,682 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
4 $12,744 $38,721 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
5 $16,174 $35,060 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
6 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
7 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
8 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
9 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
10 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
11 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
12 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo stand out for environmental engineering value?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $63,005 annually, the highest among all California environmental engineering programs, while maintaining a relatively low net cost of $15,624. The school's 85.20% graduation rate and 30.43% acceptance rate indicate both selectivity and strong student outcomes.

How do UC schools compare for environmental engineering costs?

UC San Diego offers the lowest net price at $11,750, while UC Davis costs $15,288 annually after aid. Despite similar sticker prices around $14,000-$15,000, financial aid packages vary significantly across the UC system, with graduation rates consistently above 76% at all campuses.

Is Humboldt State worth considering despite lower earnings?

Cal State Humboldt graduates earn $48,265 annually with a net cost of only $13,167, creating solid value for students seeking affordable education. However, the 46.60% graduation rate is notably lower than other state programs, though the 98.18% acceptance rate makes admission virtually guaranteed.

Does California's job market justify the program costs?

California's economy generates consistent demand for environmental engineers through aerospace, technology, and renewable energy sectors. Even the lowest-earning graduates from San Diego State start at $35,060, while proximity to Silicon Valley and clean tech companies provides extensive internship and career opportunities.

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