General
Environmental Science
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Environmental Science.
Entry Level Salary
$40,000
Median Salary
$82,592
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.1%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,303,680
Entry (Early)
$40,000
Median (Prime)
$82,592
High (Prime)
$92,671
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 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
-95k
+264k
+346k
$25k / yr
-185k
+174k
+256k
$50k / yr
-275k
+84k
+166k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
26
$25k / yr
Never
33
30
$50k / yr
Never
43
36
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-170%
160%
235%
$50k / yr
-126%
39%
76%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate30.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Management occupations
5.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,275
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,713|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
3.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,894|$80,060
openings
8,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$44,246
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Postsecondary teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,016
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Physical scientists, all other
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$71,735|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Management analysts
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,634
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,669|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Project management specialists
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$55,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,000|$100,750
openings
78,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$119,558|$144,040
openings
34,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Secondary school teachers
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$43,041
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Biological scientists
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,867
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,000|$93,340
openings
10,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| sustainability studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 14 | $46,999 - $67,208 |
| sustainability studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 82 | $41,979 - $85,545 |
| sustainability studies. | Master's Degree | 52 | $64,880 - $128,897 |