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Radford University stands out with a net price of just $16,640 for Sustainability Studies, nearly $7,000 less than the next cheapest option. George Mason University graduates earn $35,060 annually while carrying $24,670 in debt, reflecting the field's entry-level nature despite Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman that increasingly prioritize environmental compliance. Acceptance rates across all five programs exceed 80%, with Eastern Mennonite University accepting 99.48% of applicants.
5
Programs
$16,640 – $23,615
Net Price Range
$35,060
Avg. Program Earnings
48.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Sustainability Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
2 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
4 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
5 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $6,975 price gap between Virginia's cheapest and most expensive Sustainability Studies programs?

Radford University's public status keeps net costs at $16,640 compared to Eastern Mennonite University's $23,615. Private colleges like Ferrum and Virginia Wesleyan charge over $36,000 in sticker price but offer significant aid to bring net costs closer to public options.

How do graduation rates vary among Virginia's affordable Sustainability Studies programs?

George Mason University leads with a 69.30% graduation rate, while Ferrum College graduates only 28.90% of students. The three-school gap between highest and lowest performers spans over 40 percentage points, suggesting significant differences in student support and program structure.

Does the $35,060 earning potential justify Virginia Sustainability Studies program costs?

George Mason graduates face a debt-to-income ratio of 70%, earning $35,060 while carrying $24,670 in loans. This reflects sustainability careers often starting in nonprofit or government sectors before advancing to higher-paying corporate environmental roles.

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