Location: Fairfax, VA•In-State Tuition: $13,815•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,397•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1247
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,329
62nd percentile
Median Debt
$25,000
25% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.64 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

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.

Where George Mason University Stands

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

George Mason UniversityOther sustainability studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How George Mason University graduates compare to all programs nationally

George Mason University earns $39k — 62th percentile among sustainability studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Sustainability Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$39,329—$25,0000.64
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$59,089—$24,2050.41
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$53,957$74,682$18,0700.33
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$50,678—$19,5000.38
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$43,090—$27,0000.63
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley$12,010$42,076$48,875——
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 George Mason University, approximately 30% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.