Location: Pittsburgh, PA•In-State Tuition: $21,524•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,890•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1371
Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,485
64th percentile
Median Debt
$25,500
9% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.63 ManageableSample: 36 graduates

Analysis

Pitt's sustainability certificate outperforms most Pennsylvania alternatives by a meaningful margin—graduates here earn $40,485 compared to the state median of just $32,827. That 23% premium matters because many students consider sustainability credentials as add-ons to their primary degree, and this one appears to boost earning potential more than competing in-state options. The moderate debt load of $25,500 translates to a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, below what many certificate programs impose on students.

The national ranking at the 64th percentile confirms this isn't just a Pennsylvania phenomenon. Graduates here out-earn those at two-thirds of similar programs nationwide, while carrying less debt than three-quarters of their peers at other institutions. For context, Slippery Rock's similar program produces graduates earning $25,169—nearly $15,000 less annually.

The practical takeaway: if your child is pursuing sustainability credentials in Pennsylvania, Pitt's combination of relatively strong earnings and controlled debt makes this a solid choice. The certificate appears to deliver tangible value rather than just resume decoration, particularly when compared to alternatives within the state. Just remember this works best as a complement to a marketable major rather than a standalone qualification.

Where University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Stands

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

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusOther sustainability studies programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus earns $40k — 64th percentile among sustainability studies certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Sustainability Studies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$40,485—$25,5000.63
Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaSlippery Rock$10,507$25,169—$26,0001.03
National Median—$37,592—$23,4620.62

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 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, approximately 14% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.