If you are seeking the best affordable Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies degrees, you have come to the right place. Earning an undergraduate degree in sustainability studies is more timely than ever, particularly given the fact that climate change remains at the forefront of economic and political discourse. Organizations worldwide continue to turn to new generations for guidance in environmentally conscious, sustainable practices. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental scientists and specialists is expected to increase 8 percent between 2018 and 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. If you are considering a career in this dynamic, in-demand field, read on to learn more about the top 40 best affordable Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies degrees.
Methodology
In order to provide the most comprehensive list of the top colleges and universities for an affordable sustainability studies degree, we awarded points based on three key factors that most undergraduates look for when selecting a program: tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios and graduation rates. To get our initial list of schools, we searched for sustainability studies bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then narrowed down the search results from 80 schools into the top 40 based on the methodology below.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you narrow down potential schools for a sustainability studies degree, try to avoid selecting a school based on tuition alone. Instead, consider other features the institution has to offer such as internships, extracurricular activities, concentrations and opportunities for research. For this article, we ranked tuition based on the cost of one academic year of study for an in-state student as reported by NCES. We also provided rates for out-of-state students for reference purposes only.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Knowing a school’s student-to-faculty ratio is a great way to gain insight into the learning environment at that particular institution. When researching these figures, keep your own learning style in mind. Do you prefer to blend into the background of a large university, or are you looking to develop close relationships with your professors? While there are benefits and drawbacks to each, for this article, we awarded the most points for the lowest ratios from NCES.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we used graduation rates to determine each school’s level of student success. In most cases, students who are happy with their academic experience are more likely to complete the school’s program requirements and graduate with their degree, while those who are unhappy may leave and finish their degrees elsewhere. Therefore, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the highest graduation rates from NCES as outlined below.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 40 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies Degrees
40. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Points: 4
Program Website
Founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971, Liberty University is a private institution of higher learning and one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Liberty offers an affordable sustainability studies degree in the form of a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in green and sustainable management. The 120-credit-hour program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and can be completed within three and a half years. The curriculum builds a foundation on sustainable ecosystems and allows students to explore models for restoring sustainability. Coursework from this top degree in sustainable management covers topics such as geographic information systems, environmental science and policy, energy resources and efficiencies and the environment and sustainability.
Degree Options:
BS in Business Administration – Green and Sustainable Management
In-State Tuition: $22,584
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,584
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
39. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Points: 4
Program Website
Established in 1966, Bellevue University is a private institution of higher learning and one of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree. Bellevue confers an inexpensive Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management that focuses on evaluating and developing strategies for urban development, wind technologies, solar technologies, bioenergy and biofuels, land management, energy resources and water resources. Students at this top university for a degree in sustainability management are able to combine their interest in the environment, engineering and science with skills in leadership and project management to effectively manage, design and analyze various projects. Coursework also includes investigating the process for green certification and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) U.S. Green Building Council rating system.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Sustainability Management
In-State Tuition: $7,827
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,827
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
38. University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
Points: 5
Program Website
Founded in 1866, the University of New Hampshire is a public sea-, land- and space-grant university and the flagship campus of the University of New Hampshire System. UNH has one of the top sustainability bachelor degree programs offering a B.S. in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. This low-cost degree is comprised of 14 integrative courses in both environmental conservation and sustainability as well as social and physical science, ecology and biology. Beginning in the junior year, majors create a seven-course focus area based on a natural resource or ecological system of their choosing. Additionally, each ECS student completes a capstone option and a practicum experience for this best-value environmental sustainability undergraduate program.
Degree Options:
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Major (B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $18,499
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,879
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 77 percent
37. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Points: 5
Program Website
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public land-grant and research university and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts System. The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst confers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming that prepares students for careers in herbal medicine, permaculture, urban agriculture, green and local food businesses and related jobs in advocacy, community development, public policy and farm-based education. Hands-on practice and experiential learning are central to the high-value major, and the curriculum for this top bachelor’s in sustainable food and farming includes courses such as the Student Farming Enterprise Project, a year-round class in which students run a small organic farm and sell their produce through an on-campus farmers’ market and to private and university buyers.
Degree Options:
Sustainable Food and Farming B.S. Degree
In-State Tuition: $15,887
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,570
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 80 percent
36. University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois
Points: 5
Program Website
Students seeking a low-cost sustainability studies degree may consider attending the University of Illinois, a public space-, sea- and land-grant institution and the flagship campus of the University of Illinois System. Founded in 1867, the school offers an inexpensive bachelor’s degree in earth, society and environmental sustainability in which students may select one of two concentrations: Science of the Earth System (SES) or Society and Environment (SAE). Required areas of study for both programs include geographic information systems and Earth systems as well as one course from each of the following: environment and the human response; sustainability, policy and global change; Earth’s biosphere and ecology; visualizing the Earth system; and Earth’s physical systems, resources and hazards.
Degree Options:
Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability Bachelor Degree
In-State Tuition: $15,094
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,664
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 84 percent
35. Roosevelt University
Chicago, Illinois
Points: 6
Program Website
Established as Roosevelt College in 1945, Roosevelt University is a private university that operates two campuses in Chicago and Schaumburg, Illinois. The school’s College of Arts and Sciences confers a cost-effective sustainability studies degree in the form of a Bachelor of Arts — the first program of its kind in Chicago — that is based on the three “Es” of sustainability: equity, economy and environment. Using analytic methods and insights from environmental justice, policy and science, undergraduates of this top sustainability degree program recognize international and national implications of sustainability issues, explore social and natural ecosystems and apply what they have learned to community and campus projects.
Degree Options:
Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies (BA)
In-State Tuition: $29,832
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,832
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
34. University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Points: 6
Program Website
The University of Indianapolis is a private institution of higher learning affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1902 as Indiana Central University, UIndy confers both a top-value Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sustainability, each of which consists of core coursework in ecology, environmental sociology, geographic information systems, world regional geography and environmental science as well as a capstone experience. Within the programs, students choose one of two tracks: international or local. Beyond the classroom, undergraduates of this best sustainability degree program have opportunities to give back and learn, thanks to UIndy’s commitment to service, relationships abroad and urban location.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Environmental Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $29,688
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,688
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
33. Unity College
Unity, Maine
Points: 6
Program Website
Unity College is a private liberal arts institution and one of the most affordable colleges for a sustainability studies degree. Established in 1965, Unity confers a top-value online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business Management, a transdisciplinary program in which students may pursue a concentration in either wildlife ecology or environmental geographic information systems. Students must complete 120 credit hours of study, including an environmental professional core and a sustainable business core. Graduates of this best sustainability degree online work at their own schedule and develop the business skills required to become leaders in the sustainability movement.
Degree Options:
Online B.S. in Sustainable Business Management
In-State Tuition: $29,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent
32. Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Points: 6
Program Website
Toccoa Falls College is a private liberal arts institution of higher learning that is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for sustainability studies degree. Bordering the Chattahoochie National Forest, TFC provides a high-value bachelor’s degree in sustainable community development, an interdisciplinary program through which students learn the techniques and theories behind sustainable community development. In addition to completing a rigorous curriculum, students of this low-cost sustainability degree program gain hands-on knowledge of raising animals, vegetables, fruits and herbs while also learning how to establish community gardens, assist local food banks and compost food wastes.
Degree Options:
Sustainable Community Development Major (SCD)
In-State Tuition: $22,744
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,744
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
31. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 6
Program Website
Pennsylvania State University is a sun-, space-, sea- and land-grant research institution that began as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania in 1855. This economical Bachelor of Arts in Energy and Sustainability Policy at PSU is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for employment in the evolving policy sector of the sustainability and energy fields. ESP majors complete a curriculum comprised of five educational objectives: global perspective, communication skills, analytical skills, a sustainability ethic and energy industry knowledge. Graduates of this top university for a sustainability degree are prepared to act as agents for stakeholders, facilitating planning, design and communication between the operations wing and the executive wing of organizations.
Degree Options:
Energy and Sustainability Policy, B.A.
In-State Tuition: $18,454
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,858
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 85 percent
30. University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded as the State Normal School of Colorado in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado is a public research university and one of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree. UNC’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a cheap Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies that consists of university-wide courses, required major classes and liberal arts core courses. The interdisciplinary, holistic program focuses on interconnected issues and complex problems in sustainability and environmental studies. Students of this top-value environmental and sustainability degree program must complete a three-credit applied studies component in the form of an additional course, fieldwork, directed studies or internship.
Degree Options:
Environmental and Sustainability Studies B.A.
In-State Tuition: $9,918
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,786
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
29. Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1909, Lesley University is a private institution of higher learning that offers fine arts, counseling, creative writing, expressive therapies and education programs. Specifically, the school’s high-value Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies uses multiple approaches to understand the complex relationships and interactions between the environment and humans. Coursework examines issues through the lenses of fine arts, health, psychology, business management, policy, humanities and the social sciences. Students of this best environmental bachelor’s degree program benefit from internship opportunities throughout the Greater Boston area and gain the professional skills required for future careers in business, education, policy, law and more.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $27,975
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,975
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 61 percent
28. Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, Alaska
Points: 7
Program Website
Students seeking an affordable degree in sustainability studies may consider attending Alaska Pacific University, a liberal arts and sciences institution of higher learning that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1957 as Alaska Methodist University, APU provides a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies that allows students to design a personalized, interdisciplinary degree plan around their unique career goals and interests. Coursework includes topics in community psychology and sustainability, human impacts on marine systems and green global politics. Graduates of this top bachelor’s in sustainability studies are prepared for careers in community outreach, national parks, legislative offices and Alaska Native corporations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $20,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,760
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
27. Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1903 as Western State Normal School, Western Michigan University is a public research university that offers a unique, affordable sustainability studies degree. WMU provides an inexpensive Bachelor of Science in Freshwater Science and Sustainability, an interdisciplinary degree that investigates core themes in the areas of policy, science, economics, environmental studies and experiential learning. The school’s location near the Great Lakes provides the ideal setting for studying freshwater, one of the Earth’s most critical natural resources. Students also have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research with renowned, world-class scientists. Graduates of this cheap freshwater science and sustainability degree program are prepared for careers as freshwater/aquatic biologists, environmental consultants, sustainability coordinators and freshwater quality analysts.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Freshwater Science and Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $12,483
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,373
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
26. George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1956, George Mason University is a public research university and the largest institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Named after George Mason, GMU provides an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies through both the College of Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The curriculum provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge of three aspects of sustainability and environmental studies: planet, prosperity and people. In addition to completing required core courses, students select one of six concentration areas to develop more in-depth knowledge. Graduates of this low-cost environmental and sustainability degree program are prepared for careers and master’s-level studies in environmental protection, public policy, business and social justice.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $12,462
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,922
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 70 percent
25. Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Points: 7
Program Website
One of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree, Northern Arizona University is a public research institution of higher education that enrolls more than 30,700 undergraduate and graduate students each year. NAU’s School of Earth and Sustainability confers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, both of which feature coursework that spans local to global sustainability issues, including classes on biocultural diversity and Southwest environments. Outside of the classroom, students of this cheap bachelor’s in environmental and sustainability studies program benefit from learning in the field, including multi-day trips and field trips during lab sessions.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental & Sustainability Studies
BA in Environmental & Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $11,564
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,828
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
24. Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1868, Oregon State University is a public sun-, space-, sea- and land-grant university and the largest institution of higher learning by enrollment in the state. Students pursuing this inexpensive Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences degree at OSU can choose from nine areas of specialization, including a focus on conservation, resources and sustainability. In this option, students complete three courses from the conservation discipline and the resource management and policy field as well as one course in society and values. This low-cost environmental science degree program builds on the interdisciplinary strengths in the social and natural sciences and features experiential learning through an internship and/or research opportunities.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Sciences
In-State Tuition: $11,166
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,141
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
23. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Points: 7
Program Website
An affordable, accredited university for a sustainability studies degree, Arizona State University is a public research university and one of the largest institutions of higher learning by enrollment in the country. Established in 1885, ASU offers two top-value programs: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability. Both programs introduce students to the concept of sustainability in the context of real-world issues, exploring the interaction of social, economic and environmental systems. Within the inexpensive bachelor’s programs, students can select one of the following tracks: Ecosystems Sustainability, the Economics of Sustainability or Sustainable Energy, Materials and Technology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $10,822
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,336
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
22. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Texas at Austin, established in 1883, is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Texas System. Within the Bachelor of Arts in Geography at UT Austin, students choose one of three sustainability-focused concentrations: Trajectories to Sustainability, Natural Resource Management or Sustainable Choice in a Diverse World. This low- cost program is designed to provide a focused yet rigorous study of sustainability content and methods while allowing students to earn their degrees within four years. In addition to completing coursework, students at this top university for a sustainable studies degree also participate in a capstone experience as well as an experiential learning component that combines volunteer or hands-on internship experience with a preparatory course.
Degree Options:
Sustainability Studies B.A. in Geography
In-State Tuition: $10,610
Out-of-State Tuition: $37,580
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 83 percent
21. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Points: 7
Program Website
The State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, also known as Stony Brook University, is a public space- and sea-grant research university and one of four campuses that make up the SUNY System. Established in 1957, SBU confers a best-value Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies degree that integrates methodologies and principles from the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to take advantage of field courses, independent research, project courses and internships to gain hands-on, real-world experience. Graduates of this cheap sustainability studies degree program are prepared to address and understand the ethical, economic, political, social and environmental issues related to the establishment and management of sustainable societies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $9,625
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,625
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 74 percent
20. University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1862, the University of South Dakota is the oldest public university in the state as well as the flagship institution of higher education for South Dakota. USD offers a top-value Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, both of which examine key topics in public policy, microeconomics, environmental ethics, environmental policy and sustainable societies. Students pursuing the B.S. degree may pursue a specialization in environmental science, while B.A. majors may complete a specialization in either environmental science or human and natural systems. Graduates of this cheap bachelor’s degree program are prepared for careers in education, community planning, renewable energy, natural resource management and sustainable practices.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $9,061
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,425
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
19. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of North Dakota, established in 1883, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. The school initially offered best-value liberal arts-focused programs before expanding to include scientific research. Today, UND students can choose from either an affordable Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, both of which examine every area of the discipline, including community and urban development, environmental planning, policy analysis, sustainability, geospatial technologies and environmental science. This B.A. path is a liberal arts degree that focuses strongly on the humanities and social sciences, while the B.S. option more closely examines science as it relates to environmental issues.
Degree Options:
Environmental Studies (B.A. or B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $8,695
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,759
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
18. Evergreen State College
Olympia, Washington
Points: 7
Program Website
One of the most affordable colleges for a sustainability studies degree, Evergreen State College is a public liberal arts institution of higher learning that enrolls around 3,900 students each year. Evergreen acknowledges a dedication to sustainability, offering a cheap bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies that focuses on the field from an interdisciplinary perspective. The school is known for its non-traditional undergraduate curriculum requirements in which students are eligible to design their own paths of study based on their career goals and unique interests. Possible areas of study within this low-cost program include sustainable development, anthropology, sociology, natural resources and economics as well as city and regional planning, landscape architecture, ecology, ethics and environmental policies.
Degree Options:
Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,746
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,262
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
17. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 8
Program Website
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university and the flagship campus of the 17-school University of North Carolina System. Chartered in 1789, it is also one of the three oldest public universities in the nation. UNC-Chapel Hill offers a top-value Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies designed for students seeking careers or graduate studies in law, education, journalism and environmental policy. Although B.A. students are not eligible to pair UNC’s sustainability studies minor with their environmental degree, the minor can be applied to other affordable UNC programs to offer a unifying approach to environmental and human problems.
Degree Options:
Environmental Studies Major, B.A.
In-State Tuition: $8,987
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,170
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 89 percent
16. California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Points: 8
Program Website
California State University-East Bay was founded in 1956 as the State College for Alameda County. Today, CSUEB is a member of the 23-campus California State University System and a popular choice for students seeking a top-value sustainability studies degree. CSUEB’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences confers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science that focuses on the study of biological, chemical and physical processes that underpin both human-influenced systems and natural ecosystems. A concentration in environmental health is also available that prepares graduates of this cheap bachelor’s in environmental science for employment as Registered Environmental Health Specialists in California.
Degree Options:
Environmental Science, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $6,983
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,863
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
15. Montana State University Billings
Billings, Montana
Points: 8
Program Website
Montana State University Billings is the third-largest university by enrollment in the state. Founded in 1927 as Eastern Montana Normal School, MSU Billings is also a member of the Montana University System and recognized as one of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree. This top-value Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at MSU Billings is an interdisciplinary program that requires coursework in geography, environmental history, environmental ethics, ecology and other environmentally related fields. Students approach environmental issues from three perspectives, including policy, human and scientific, and complete a hands-on internship in a related field of interest before graduating from this best bachelor’s in environmental studies program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $5,928
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,246
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
14. University of South Florida-St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1965, the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg is a separately accredited member of the University of South Florida System. USF St. Pete offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy that features three areas of concentration: sustainability, science and policy. Specifically, the sustainability concentration requires 15 hours of study in areas such as environmental policy and sustainability, water resources management, geographic information systems for sustainability, geographic perspectives on the environment and the human footprint in the landscape. Students of this cheap environmental science and policy degree program are required to complete an upper-division seminar as well as a project or internship.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy
In-State Tuition: $5,821
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,736
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
13. Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1967, Colorado Mountain College is a public institution of higher learning. CMC is the only postsecondary institution in Colorado and one of only nine colleges and universities in the U.S. to receive the Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Award from the U.S. Department of Education in 2017. CMC offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies comprised of coursework in sustainability research, ecology, sustainable business, permaculture design and watershed science. Students also have many opportunities for practical learning through hands-on challenges and experiences. Graduates of this low-cost sustainability studies degree program are prepared for careers in the natural sciences, social sciences and business.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $4,620
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,172
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 21 percent
12. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1887, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a liberal arts university and one of 17 schools that make up the University of North Carolina System. UNC Pembroke’s College of Arts and Sciences offers one of the cheapest Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degrees with a track in sustainable agriculture that requires 120 semester hours of study. In addition to completing required courses for the major in biology, environmental science, chemistry, geology and mathematics, undergraduates of this top-value university also take three courses for the specialization: Plant Cropping and Weed Management, Pest Management and Principles of Sustainable Agriculture.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $3,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,418
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
11. University of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, Hawaii
Points: 8
Program Website
With the lowest tuition on our list for in-state students, the University of Hawaii Maui College is one of 10 branches of the University of Hawaii System and one of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree. Established in 1931, UHMC offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Science Management comprised of 120 credits that may be completed in four years. The first two years of this cheap bachelor’s in sustainability studies lay the groundwork for understanding sustainability issues, while the junior year involves the development of applied and thinking skills as well as the participation in internships. During the senior year, a focused curriculum builds expertise in a specialization area and culminates in a senior capstone project.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Science Management
In-State Tuition: $3,218
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,354
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 12 percent
10. San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Points: 9
Program Website
Founded as San Diego Normal School in 1897, San Diego State University is the third-oldest potsecondary institution in the 23-campus California State University System. Housed in the College of Arts and Letters, this top-value Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability at SDSU builds on disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The curriculum emphasizes the study of political, economic, social, historical and cultural forces and values that shape the use of resources and compel sustainable development. All students must complete an international experience and an internship before graduating from this low-cost bachelor’s in sustainability program.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $7,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,340
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: 74 percent
9. Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, Indiana
Points: 9
Program Website
One of the most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree, Indiana University-South Bend is a public institution of higher learning and the third-largest campus of the Indiana University System. IU-South Bend offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies that provides an interdisciplinary framework within which students examine the foundations of sustainability. This top bachelor’s in sustainability program teaches best practices for applying this knowledge to the implementation and development of sustainable technologies, practices, innovations and values. The curriculum also emphasizes connections between society, economy and environment and bridges the gap between community and campus through project-based, experiential learning.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,344
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent
8. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California
Points: 9
Program Website
San Francisco State University is a public postsecondary institution and a member of the 23-campus California State University System. Established in 1899, SFSU confers two low-cost undergraduate degrees in environmental studies: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Students pursuing the B.A. path can choose from three emphases, including an option in environmental sustainability. This track provides students with an applied and theoretical understanding of both the issues surrounding sustainability as well as the connections between social justice and environmental solutions and problems. Undergraduates of this best bachelor’s in environmental studies program also investigate the roles that values and economic, political and social structures play in environmental crises.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
7. Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, New York
Points: 9
Program Website
A member of the City University of New York (CUNY) System, Brooklyn College is a public institution of higher learning and one of the most affordable colleges for a sustainability studies degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Sustainability at Brooklyn College examines the dynamics between natural and social systems as well as the trade-offs among economic, social and environmental sustainability. This top urban sustainability program features an interdisciplinary approach and consists of concentrations in economics and business management, sociology and environmental science. Outside of the classroom, undergraduates of this best bachelor’s in urban sustainability use the school’s geographic information system laboratory to produce and analyze information to solve problems in urban sustainability.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Sustainability
In-State Tuition: $7,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
6. California State University-Monterey Bay
Marina, California
Points: 9
Program Website
California State University-Monterey Bay is a public university and one of the 23 schools that make up the California State University System. Established in 1994, CSUMB offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies that provides the foundation in communication, humanities, policy, economics, social science and environmental science needed to promote sustainability in an interdependent, increasingly complex world. Within the program, undergraduates of this low-cost environmental studies degree program may pursue concentrations in environmental education or in science for sustainable communities. CSUMB promotes career pathways in sustainability, health, law, planning, environmental justice, communication and education.
Degree Options:
Environmental Studies BA
In-State Tuition: $7,143
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,023
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
5. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Florida International University is a public research university and a member of the 12-campus State University System of Florida. This low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment at FIU introduces undergraduates to the challenges of managing today’s natural resources while conserving those same resources for the future. The curriculum examines various factors that determine the sustainability of technologies, cultures, organizations and institutions in different environments. The program culminates in a “sustainability in action” capstone course. Graduates of this top bachelor’s in sustainability and the environment program are prepared for careers in advanced agricultural sciences fields or in environmental professions.
Degree Options:
BA in Sustainability and the Environment
In-State Tuition: $6,546
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,954
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
4. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
The University of Florida is a public space-, sea- and land-grant research university and a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Established in 1853, UF offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that prepares students for global citizenship with a solid foundation in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Through the curriculum, students explore how to create economic welfare, maintain environmental and ecological health and pursue social justice in today’s changing world. Students of this top-value sustainability degree program put their knowledge to work both on the UF campus and in the local community through a “sustainability in action” capstone course.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $6,381
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,659
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 90 percent
3. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public, historically black university and one of the top three most affordable universities for a sustainability studies degree. FAMU’s School of the Environment offers both an inexpensive Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, and students seeking a low-cost sustainability-focused program may pursue a third option: the B.S. in Environmental Science with a specialized concentration in sustainability science. This pathway features coursework in environmental impacts, sustainable agriculture, applied microbial processes and the physics of the environment. Sustainable development, program development and evaluation in agricultural development are also explored.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $5,785
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,725
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
2. CUNY Hunter College
New York, New York
Points: 10
Program Website
Hunter College is one of the constituent institutions that make up the City University of New York (CUNY) System and the second-most affordable college for a sustainability studies degree. Established in 1870 as the Female Normal and High School, Hunter confers a top-value Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies that focuses on Earth system science and environmental sustainability. Within the program, undergraduates of this best bachelor’s in environmental studies program may choose one of two concentrations: Environmental Management and Policy or Environmental Earth Science. The program culminates in a capstone experience in the form of either an internship or individual studies in environmental studies.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,182
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,852
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
1. Univeristy of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Points: 10
Program Website
Topping our list of the best affordable universities for a Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies degree, the University of Wyoming is a public land-grant research institution and the flagship institution of the state. Established in 1886, UW offers the top Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Science with an optional minor in sustainability. Students complete 23 credits of courses in physical, Earth, biological and systems sciences as well as 18 credits in sustainability. Topics of study from this best university for environmental system’s science include ethics, foundations of sustainability and a campus sustainability capstone in which students design and implement a real-world project to better the school.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Science
In-State Tuition: $5,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,490
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies can lead to entry-level jobs in business, science and engineering. Graduates may pursue a career as an atmospheric, conservation or environmental scientist, and those who follow an engineering pathway may be tasked with designing sustainable infrastructure and buildings for future generations. Five of the most common career options for undergraduates with a bachelor’s in sustainability studies include:
- Environmental Engineering Technician
- Urban Planner
- Environmental Scientist
- Agricultural Engineer
- Conservation Scientist
A sustainable management degree opens the door to roles as logisticians, human resources administrators and compliance officers. Some aspiring sustainability professionals may consider pursuing optional certification or a graduate-level degree such as a green Master of Business Administration. Regardless of the specific position attained, professionals working in the field of sustainability should possess solid technical and research skills as well as strong communication skills since they may be responsible for translating complex and difficult-to-understand information for the general public, policymakers, stakeholders and team members.
What is the Salary Potential for a Sustainability Studies Degree?
Undergraduates who earn a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies are prepared for entry-level positions in a thriving, dynamic industry. The salary potential for careers in the sustainability studies field depends on a number of factors, including level of experience, education, location, employer and an individual’s particular role. To get a better idea of how much professionals are earning, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, where we found that environmental scientists and specialists earned an average of $71,130 per year as of May 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $124,620, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,520. The median annual wages for these professionals in the top industries in which they worked were:
- Federal government, excluding postal service: $103,440
- Engineering services: $72,100
- Technical, scientific and management consulting services: $70,000
- Local government, excluding hospitals and education: $67,500
- State government, excluding hospitals and education: $64,600
In addition, we looked at four other positions that graduates can pursue after attaining a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies and included their annual median earnings as of May 2018 below:
- Agricultural engineers: $77,110
- Urban and regional planners: $73,050
- Conservation scientists and foresters: $61,340=
- Environmental engineering technicians: $50,560
What Will You Study in a Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies Degree Program?
Most undergraduate degrees in sustainability studies teach students the practical skills and core theories needed to attend graduate school or pursue entry-level positions. Students can typically expect to investigate tore topics related to environmental policy and law, sustainability assessment and community engagement. However, curricula will vary depending on the program and school itself. For instance, students who enroll in environmental science-focused degrees can expect classes in natural resource economics, the human impact on ecosystems and ecology. On the other hand, those who pursue a track in environmental studies will typically receive an education in the liberal arts, with courses in cultural anthropology, sustainable communities and research methods in social science. Schools may also offer engineering- and business-oriented tracks in sustainability studies. Students may have the opportunity to cultivate practical skills through internships, fieldwork, capstone projects and/or research projects.
In addition, some universities may offer a concentration in sustainability within a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or environmental studies. However, traditional bachelor’s degrees with a major in sustainability are available and feature their own areas of specialization. For instance, undergraduates may choose to focus on alternative energy, renewable energy, farming and sustainable urban development, or they may elect to help businesses, organizations and companies implement green practices through a concentration in sustainability management. Other emphasis options may include the natural sciences, law and environmental education. Regardless of the pathway you choose, we hope that our list of the 40 best affordable Bachelor’s in Sustainability Studies degrees helps you get started as you prepare to enter this dynamic and thriving field.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 40 best affordable bachelor’s in sustainability studies degrees.
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