College ROI

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General

Environmental Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Environmental Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$61,763
Median Salary
$109,000
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
16.1%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,360,000
Entry (Early)
$61,763
Median (Prime)
$109,000
High (Prime)
$120,000

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+97k
+480k
+568k
$25k / yr
+7k
+390k
+478k
$50k / yr
-83k
+300k
+388k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
32
25
24
$25k / yr
59
28
27
$50k / yr
Never
32
30

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
6%
358%
440%
$50k / yr
-38%
138%
178%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate43%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Civil engineers

11.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Environmental engineers

11.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$68,968
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,893|$107,110
openings
2,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.3%

Engineers, All Other

7.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$71,831
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$94,735|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Management occupations

4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$125,125
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$125,125|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Postsecondary teachers

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,935
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,869|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Software developers

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$89,210
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,903|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Project management specialists

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,670
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,000|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Construction managers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$126,313
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$126,313|$114,990
openings
49,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%

Physical scientists, all other

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,058
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$50,977|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Management analysts

1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,747
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,164|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
environmental/environmental health engineering.Bachelor's Degree94$57,301 - $103,016
environmental/environmental health engineering.Master's Degree77$81,578 - $113,715
environmental/environmental health engineering.Doctoral Degree33Data N/A