Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$64,675
Est. from national median (47 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$21,941
Est. from national median (36 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Environmental engineering programs nationally produce solid returns, and the figures here—drawn from peer institutions across the country—suggest this program follows that pattern. A first-year salary around $64,675 against estimated debt of $21,941 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, which is manageable for an engineering degree. Since UND is the only school in North Dakota offering this major, there's no in-state comparison available, but the national median for this field sits at exactly that $64,675 mark, indicating the estimate aligns with what similar programs typically deliver.

The challenge here is that both earnings and debt figures are estimates based on comparable programs elsewhere, not actual outcomes from UND graduates in this specific major. That means we're making an educated guess about whether this particular program will perform like its peers. Engineering programs generally hold their value across different institutions, which works in this program's favor, but without actual graduate data, there's inherent uncertainty about whether UND's version delivers the same results.

For families considering this route, the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment—engineering credentials typically translate to stable employment even if the earnings aren't spectacular. Just understand you're betting on UND's program performing similarly to the national pack, not relying on a proven track record for this specific degree path at this specific school.

Where University of North Dakota Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all environmental/environmental health engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of North DakotaGrand Forks$10,951$64,675*—$21,941*—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$82,197*$84,785$20,500*0.25
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$76,708*—$19,750*0.26
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$71,861*—$16,316*0.23
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta$11,764$70,008*$71,742$27,250*0.39
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$69,558*$76,992$13,102*0.19
National Median—$64,675*—$23,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with environmental/environmental health engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

$109,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.

$109,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Engineers

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

$104,170/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 University of North Dakota, approximately 16% 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 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.