Sustainability Studies at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's Sustainability Studies graduates earn $42,076 in their first year—well above both the national median of $37,223 and Colorado's $36,905 for this degree. That puts this program in the 76th percentile nationally, suggesting UNC's version of this relatively young field delivers stronger market outcomes than most competitors. With estimated debt around $20,278 based on comparable programs at similar schools, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 is manageable, and graduates could reasonably pay this down within a few years of entering the workforce.

The caveat is that these debt figures are estimates, not reported outcomes for UNC's specific program, so the actual borrowing picture for Sustainability Studies students here could differ. What we do know is that earnings growth of 16% by year four ($48,875) shows steady progression, and UNC's outcomes substantially exceed the only other Colorado program with reported data (Colorado Mountain College at $31,734). The $20,278 estimated debt also aligns closely with the national median of $20,045 for this degree, suggesting the estimate is reasonable.

For parents wondering if a Sustainability Studies degree is worth it, UNC appears to be preparing graduates who command above-average salaries in this field. The combination of strong first-year earnings and moderate estimated debt makes this program look more practical than many environmental-focused degrees, though the lack of reported debt data means you should confirm actual borrowing levels directly with the financial aid office before committing.