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Best Online Environmental Science Programs
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Online environmental science programs are gaining traction as more students consider flexible educational options that align with their career goals. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, many are seeking degrees that not only offer knowledge but also lead to viable job opportunities. The average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $63,331, reflecting the potential financial benefits of this field.
What sets the best programs apart is their strong outcomes in terms of graduate earnings, completion rates, and manageable debt levels. The schools highlighted below have been ranked based on how well they prepare students for a successful career in environmental science. Factors such as graduation rates and average debt provide crucial insights into the overall value of each program, helping prospective students make informed decisions.
For instance, the University of Florida-Online stands out with impressive earnings of $71,588 and an 81% graduation rate, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing outcome metrics. In contrast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has higher earnings at $84,131 but a much lower graduation rate of just 21%. This tradeoff highlights the complexities students face when selecting a program that fits their personal and financial goals.
How We Ranked
Online Environmental Science programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
University of Florida-Online graduates earn $71,588 on average, significantly higher than the $60,615 from Western Governors University.
The graduation rate at University of Florida-Online is 81%, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide only graduates 21% of its students.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion students face a debt load of $19,500, compared to Western Governors University's more manageable $11,116.
Graduates from these programs collectively earn an average of $63,331, which can make a real difference in future financial stability.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #4 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #5 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #6 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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With a graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online provides a supportive environment for students looking to advance their education. Its median earnings of $71,588 at ten years post-graduation illustrate a strong return on investment that can appeal to both students and their families.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University is a unique online institution that caters to a diverse population of over 155,000 students. With a mission focused on flexibility and accessibility, it allows students to learn at their own pace, which often suits those who are balancing work and family responsibilities.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide attracts students passionate about aviation and aerospace. With median earnings of $84,131 at ten years post-graduation, graduates are well-positioned to enter lucrative careers in a specialized field. However, it’s important to note that the graduation rate is relatively low at 21%, which might suggest challenges for some students.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion serves a large student body of nearly 54,000, making it a lively and diverse community. However, the graduation rate of 29% may raise concerns about student support and retention. Despite this, graduates earn a median salary of $62,668 at ten years, reflecting potential for solid earnings.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
With a median earnings figure of $66,479 ten years after graduation, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online demonstrates its commitment to helping students achieve financial success. The 22% graduation rate indicates that while challenges exist, the school is focused on providing an accessible education for adult learners and those juggling various responsibilities.
Pillar breakdown
At the University of Arkansas Grantham, students can expect a supportive environment with a substantial percentage of 72% Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to accessibility for low-income students. Graduates earn a median income of $63,496 after ten years, which reflects the value of the education received and the potential for a stable career.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Maryland Global Campus serves a large and diverse student body of over 49,000, emphasizing flexibility for working adults and those looking to advance their careers. With median earnings of $65,287 a decade post-graduation, students can find good opportunities in various fields, though the 31% graduation rate suggests potential challenges in completion.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide is a smaller, private nonprofit institution with a focus on adult education, reflected in its 36% graduation rate. While graduates earn a median income of $40,803 ten years after completing their programs, the school emphasizes creating accessible pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, as shown by its 51% Pell Grant recipient rate.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
With a focus on online and extended education, Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, caters to students looking for flexibility in their studies. The school has a close-knit community of 405 students, which can lead to a more personalized learning experience and strong faculty support for those who need it.
Pillar breakdown
Located in San Dimas, California, Los Angeles Pacific University attracts students who appreciate a smaller campus atmosphere and a faith-based education. With 1,483 students enrolled, it provides a unique blend of academic programs and community involvement, ideal for individuals looking to grow in a supportive environment.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People in Pasadena, California, presents an innovative online education model designed to be accessible for students worldwide. With a student body of 22,688, this nonprofit institution is committed to breaking down barriers to higher education, particularly for those who may not have traditional access to college.
Pillar breakdown
There's an interesting trend among the top online environmental science programs that sheds light on what contributes to their success. Take the University of Florida-Online, which boasts a graduation rate of 81% and average earnings of $71,588. In contrast, consider Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, which, despite higher earnings of $84,131, only graduates 21% of its students. This discrepancy suggests that while some programs may promise higher pay, they might not provide the supportive environment to help students finish their degrees.
As you sift through these options, think about what matters most to you. Weigh factors like program fit, location, and financial implications against the data presented here. For example, if you're drawn to a school with high earnings but low graduation rates, ask yourself whether you have the support and resources to succeed. Alternatively, a school with a higher graduation rate may lead to better job stability down the road, even if the starting salary is lower.
In the grand scheme, these choices impact more than just education; they shape the path to a stable life. A family considering these programs must decide not only which degree to pursue but also how to balance costs and outcomes. Each decision carries weight, influencing not just their financial future but their overall quality of life as well.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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