# Best Online Environmental Science Programs

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-06-02 | Schools: 11 | Category: Online
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-environmental-science

## Methodology

Online Environmental Science programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## 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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [Western Governors University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-governors-university) | Salt Lake City, UT | 48% | $60,615 | $12,548 | $11,116 | 0.18x |
| 3 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide) | Daytona Beach, FL | 21% | $84,131 | $18,725 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 4 | [Arizona State University Digital Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-digital-immersion) | Scottsdale, AZ | 29% | $62,668 | N/A | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-college-of-professional-studies-online) | Manchester, NH | 22% | $66,479 | $10,864 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 6 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |
| 7 | [University of Maryland Global Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus) | Adelphi, MD | 31% | $65,287 | $22,063 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 8 | [Touro University Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/touro-university-worldwide) | Los Alamitos, CA | 36% | $40,803 | $19,058 | $25,000 | 0.61x |
| 9 | [Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university-center-for-online-and-extended-education) | Kirkland, WA | 40% | $54,914 | $35,671 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Los Angeles Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-angeles-pacific-university) | San Dimas, CA | 29% | N/A | $22,677 | $18,750 | N/A |
| 11 | [University of the People](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-people) | Pasadena, CA | 35% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Online Environmental Science Programs." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-06-02. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-environmental-science

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.