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Best Value Sustainability Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Colorado Mountain College breaks the mold with the lowest net cost at $6,342 while Ashford University commands $25,321 yet delivers the highest graduate earnings at $61,516. This spread reveals how sustainability programs vary wildly in their return calculations. University of Florida strikes a middle path with $6,351 net cost and solid $36,745 earnings, proving public education can compete effectively. The Pacific Northwest emerges as a sustainability education corridor, with Oregon State's main campus and Cascades location both appearing in top rankings. This regional concentration makes sense given the area's leadership in renewable energy development and environmental policy implementation. Corporate sustainability roles now span every industry from tech giants in Seattle to outdoor recreation companies throughout the region. The data shows graduation rates ranging from 25.90% at Colorado Mountain College to 91.50% at University of Florida, suggesting program structure matters as much as cost. Students weighing options should consider that some programs emphasize hands-on field work while others focus on policy and business applications.
50
Programs
$6,342 – $35,350
Net Price Range
$35,399
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Sustainability Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $36,745 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $6,342 $27,295 $2,700 25.9%
3 $25,321 $61,516 $13,160 8.8%
4 $17,722 $39,009 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
5 $18,902 $38,871 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
6 $19,568 $39,009 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
7 $18,287 $35,060 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
8 $27,662 $47,260 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
9 $18,457 $30,771 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
10 $20,152 $26,933 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
11 $19,634 $25,194 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
12 $28,163 $35,060 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
13 $20,593 $17,470 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
14 $28,150 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
15 $29,800 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
16 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
17 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
18 $18,730 $9,206 69.9% 69.5%
19 $18,021 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
20 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
21 $22,921 $35,166 40.9% 87.7%
22 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
23 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
24 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
25 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
26 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
27 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
28 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
29 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
30 $23,600 $34,100 53.9% 78.4%
31 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
32 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
33 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
34 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
35 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
36 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
37 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
38 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
39 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
40 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
41 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
42 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
43 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
44 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
45 $18,680 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
46 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
47 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
48 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
49 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
50 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida such strong value at $6,351 net cost?

University of Florida combines an extremely low net cost of $6,351 with graduates earning $36,745 annually and maintaining a 91.50% graduation rate. The program benefits from Florida's growing renewable energy sector and coastal management needs. Students graduate with only $15,000 in debt on average, making the return on investment particularly attractive. The 23.35% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that helps maintain program quality.

How do Oregon State's two campuses compare for sustainability studies?

Oregon State's main Corvallis campus costs $19,568 net with 70.60% graduation rates, while the Cascades campus in Bend costs $17,722 with 51.20% completion rates. Both programs lead to similar earnings around $39,009 annually. The Cascades campus offers smaller class sizes and outdoor recreation proximity, while Corvallis provides the full research university experience. Both campuses benefit from Oregon's leadership in environmental policy and green technology sectors.

Is Ashford University worth the higher cost despite low graduation rates?

Ashford University graduates earn $61,516 annually, the highest among all programs listed, but only 8.80% of students complete their degrees. The $25,321 net cost becomes questionable when factoring in the completion risk. The high earnings may reflect the online format attracting working professionals who already have industry experience. Students should carefully weigh the substantial financial risk against potential career advancement benefits.

Does geographic location affect sustainability program value?

Western states dominate the top value programs, with Colorado, Oregon, and Florida leading the rankings. This pattern reflects regional job markets where environmental careers are more abundant and better compensated. Montana State University shows how location can impact outcomes, with $20,593 net cost but only $17,470 in graduate earnings. The Pacific Northwest concentration suggests proximity to renewable energy companies and environmental organizations creates better internship and job opportunities.

What debt levels should students expect from these programs?

Debt levels vary significantly, from $10,188 at Colorado Mountain College to $24,670 at George Mason University. University of Florida keeps debt remarkably low at $15,000 despite strong outcomes. Private institutions like Miami University average $22,370 in debt but deliver $47,260 in earnings, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. Students should target programs where annual earnings exceed total debt by at least 1.5 times for sustainable repayment.

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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.