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Environmental Science

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Environmental Science.

Entry Level Salary
$41,175
Median Salary
$85,000
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.1%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,400,000
Entry (Early)
$41,175
Median (Prime)
$85,000
High (Prime)
$94,735

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
-84k
+286k
+365k
$25k / yr
-174k
+196k
+275k
$50k / yr
-264k
+106k
+185k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
26
25
$25k / yr
Never
32
30
$50k / yr
Never
41
36

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-160%
180%
253%
$50k / yr
-122%
49%
85%
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 Rate30.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Management occupations

5.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,514|$82,220
openings
7,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%

Elementary and middle school teachers

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Project management specialists

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,585|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Postsecondary teachers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$38,866
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,616|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Physical scientists, all other

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,173|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Management analysts

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,298
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,762|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

Lawyers, judges, and related workers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$108,085
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$125,000|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%

Biological scientists

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,651
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Compliance officers

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,951
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$76,000|$80,730
openings
32,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%

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
sustainability studies.Undergrad Certificate12$46,999 - $67,208
sustainability studies.Bachelor's Degree69$41,979 - $85,545
sustainability studies.Master's Degree48$64,880 - $123,641