Sustainability Studies at George Mason University

George Mason's sustainability program graduates earn slightly above the national median at $39,329, but here's what matters more: this field consistently pays less than most bachelor's degrees regardless of where you study. With only five Virginia schools offering this major and Mason sitting at the state median, you're looking at what appears to be the standard outcome for this degree path. The $25,000 in debt is manageable—well below both state and national averages—which helps offset the modest earning potential.

The real question isn't whether Mason delivers good value compared to other sustainability programs (it does fine), but whether a sustainability degree itself is the right investment. First-year earnings around $39,000 make this one of the lower-paying bachelor's options, though the 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio remains reasonable. If your child is passionate about environmental work, this debt level won't trap them. However, they should understand they're likely choosing impact over income, at least initially.

One important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. The consistent message across all five Virginia programs, though, is that sustainability studies leads to similar earnings regardless of school. If your child is committed to this field, Mason offers an accessible entry point without excessive debt—just be clear-eyed about the salary expectations that come with it.