Location: Miami, FL•In-State Tuition: $6,565•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,963•Admission Rate: 59%•Avg SAT: 1154
Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,997
5th percentile
25th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$17,379
13% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.60 ManageableSample: 37 graduates

Analysis

FIU's Sustainability Studies bachelor's leads to earnings of just $29,000 one year after graduation—roughly $22,000 below what entry-level jobs typically pay nationwide and $5,000 below Florida's median for the same degree. While this ranks in the 25th percentile among Florida's six sustainability programs, that's modest consolation when University of Florida graduates in this field earn $39,000. The $17,379 in debt is manageable in absolute terms, but represents 60% of first-year earnings, making those monthly payments feel heavier on a tight budget.

The numbers suggest this program may be preparing graduates for nonprofit or public sector roles that pay less than sustainability positions in corporate settings or consulting. For families banking on a child becoming financially independent quickly after graduation, these earnings create a longer runway. A student passionate about environmental work needs to understand they're likely looking at shared housing, careful budgeting, and possibly a second job or graduate school to reach a middle-class income.

If your child is committed to sustainability work specifically and wants to stay in Florida, this degree opens doors—just narrow ones initially. The moderate debt won't derail their financial future, but the low earnings mean career advancement or additional credentials will be essential. Families should plan for several years of financial support after graduation.

Where Florida International University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sustainability studies bachelors's programs nationally

Florida International UniversityOther sustainability studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Florida International University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida International University earns $29k — 5th percentile among sustainability studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Sustainability Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$28,997—$17,3790.60
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$39,261$47,660$15,2500.39
National Median—$37,223—$20,0450.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sustainability studies graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

$83,720/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

$69,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

$49,490/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Florida International University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.