Sustainability Studies at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville's Sustainability Studies grads earn $59,089 in their first year—nearly 60% more than the national median of $37,223 for this major. While the small sample size means these numbers might shift as more data comes in, the program currently ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings. That's an impressive showing for a degree field that often struggles to translate passion into paychecks.

The debt load of $24,205 is manageable given those first-year earnings, resulting in a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, students are borrowing about five months' salary, which they could reasonably pay off within a few years. The relatively low debt—11th percentile nationally—suggests the school keeps costs reasonable, an advantage at a regional public university where sticker prices stay modest.

The caveat here is significant: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could represent a particularly successful cohort or just a few high earners skewing the results. If your child is committed to sustainability work, this program appears strong, but verify that the specific career paths they're targeting align with these outcomes. The university's 87% admission rate and accessible profile suggest it serves students well without requiring elite credentials to get in.