Location: Ames, IA•In-State Tuition: $10,497•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,683•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1199
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,223
Est. from national median (22 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,278
Est. from national median (14 programs)

Analysis

Can a sustainability studies degree support a viable career path when first-year earnings hover around $37,000? Based on comparable programs nationally, Iowa State graduates might expect to earn roughly that amount—a modest start that reflects the field's reality as a blend of environmental science, policy work, and nonprofit roles that don't typically command high initial salaries.

The estimated debt load of around $20,000 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, meaning graduates would owe about half their first year's income. That's actually favorable compared to many bachelor's programs, and with Iowa State's relatively low tuition for an in-state flagship, the financial risk appears contained. The challenge lies less in the debt burden and more in whether $37,000 provides enough income for independent living and career growth, particularly if graduates remain in Iowa where cost of living is reasonable but career opportunities in sustainability may be concentrated in specific sectors or locations.

The uncertainty here matters. With only 22 programs nationally reporting earnings data and Iowa State's figures suppressed due to small cohort size, parents should recognize they're working with broad estimates rather than this program's actual track record. For students passionate about environmental issues, the degree could open doors in corporate sustainability, government agencies, or conservation organizations—but those considering it purely as a financial investment should understand they're betting on a field still finding its economic footing.

Where Iowa State University Stands

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

Iowa State University (estimated ±10%)Other sustainability studies programs

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

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 Debt*Debt/Earnings
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$37,223*—$20,278*—
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$59,089*—$24,205*0.41
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$53,957*$74,682$18,070*0.33
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$50,678*—$19,500*0.38
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$43,090*—$27,000*0.63
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley$12,010$42,076*$48,875—*—
National Median—$37,223*—$20,045*0.54
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Iowa State University, approximately 18% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 22 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.