Analysis
Sustainability Studies graduates from comparable programs nationally earn around $37,000 in their first year—a figure that should prompt careful financial planning given the estimated $20,000 debt load. While that 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests loans remain manageable (less than six months of gross pay), the earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny. By year four, the median climbs to just over $40,000, indicating modest but steady growth rather than dramatic salary jumps that would quickly improve the financial picture.
The New Jersey context adds complexity. Other Garden State programs in this field report first-year earnings closer to $41,000, about $4,000 above what national peer data suggests. Whether Stockton's program connects to higher-paying regional opportunities or follows the national pattern remains unclear without school-specific outcomes. That $4,000 gap compounds over time—it's the difference between comfortable loan repayment and a tighter budget in those crucial early career years.
Given the uncertainty around actual outcomes for Stockton graduates specifically, families should treat these estimates as a starting point and dig into where recent alumni actually land. What employers recruit on campus? Do internships lead to job offers? The estimated numbers suggest sustainability careers start modestly, so understanding this program's specific track record—rather than relying on national averages—becomes essential before committing.
Where Stockton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sustainability studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton University | — | $40,488 | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $53,957 | $74,682 | +38% |
| University of Northern Colorado | $42,076 | $48,875 | +16% |
| University of Florida | $39,261 | $47,660 | +21% |
| Aquinas College | $29,399 | $47,255 | +61% |
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stockton UniversityGalloway | $15,532 | $37,223* | $40,488 | $20,278* | — |
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $41,445* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $37,223* | — | $20,045* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sustainability studies graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Water Resource Specialists
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Urban and Regional Planners
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Conservation Scientists
Range Managers
Park Naturalists
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
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 Stockton University, approximately 42% 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.