Location: Union, NJ•In-State Tuition: $13,426•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,076•Admission Rate: 77%•Avg SAT: 1150
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,223
Est. from national median (22 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,278
Est. from national median (14 programs)

Analysis

A $37,000 starting salary positions this program well below what similar sustainability studies graduates earn in New Jersey, where the state median sits at $41,445. While both earnings and debt figures here are estimates drawn from national peer programs—necessary because Kean's graduate sample is too small for public reporting—the gap between estimated outcomes and what's achievable at other NJ schools is meaningful. Montclair State, just 15 miles north, reports actual first-year earnings over $4,000 higher for the same degree.

The estimated debt load of roughly $20,000 creates a manageable half-year debt-to-earnings ratio, which compares favorably to many bachelor's programs. That's the silver lining. But it doesn't change the core question: why accept estimated below-market earnings when nearby alternatives demonstrate stronger outcomes? The 46% Pell grant population at Kean suggests many families here are particularly sensitive to earnings differences that might seem modest but compound over a career.

Given the absence of actual outcome data and evidence that stronger-performing programs exist locally, this warrants serious comparison shopping. Direct conversations with Kean's career services about actual graduate placements and starting salaries would be essential before committing, particularly when neighboring schools can point to verified outcomes in the low-$40,000s for this field.

Where Kean University Stands

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

Kean University (estimated ±10%)Other sustainability studies programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Sustainability Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kean UniversityUnion$13,426$37,223*—$20,278*—
Montclair State UniversityMontclair$14,766$41,445*——*—
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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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.