Rankings / Online Masters
Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science
- 50
- Schools
- $51,213
- Avg. Earnings
- 47%
- Avg. Graduation
- $13,225
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,067
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $22,953 to $102,772, a 4.5× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Florida-Online ($4,815 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of its students, versus a 47% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Johns Hopkins University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.12× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Florida-Online ($71,588 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($102,772), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida-Online costs $4,815 a year and Wilkes University costs $27,743. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $63,454, nowhere near the $22,928 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida-Online beats Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Florida-Online and Johns Hopkins University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on the outcomes that actually compound — graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value — using federal tax-records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $63K ten years out.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-12
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +40% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 Empire State University #2 overall | $54,080 ▲ +6% vs avg | $11,676 | 34% | 100 |
| 3 Louisiana State University-Shreveport #3 overall | $47,477 ▼ -7% vs avg | $7,022 | 35% | 100 |
| $63,435 ▲ +24% vs avg | $19,550 | 34% | 100 | |
| $46,440 ▼ -9% vs avg | $15,676 | 50% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,213 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 47% and an average net price of $13,225.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Johns Hopkins University — 94% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Median alumni earnings: $102,772
CollegeRanker Primary Research
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Access & Flexibility Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about online education and the working-adult learner?
$49,270
Median earnings (10yr)
43%
Median graduation rate
$12,640
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Online programs are where higher education meets the working adult: students balancing jobs, families, and a degree, who need flexibility more than a quad. The category has matured from afterthought to mainstream. The open question is no longer whether online education works but which programs deliver completion and earnings for non-traditional students.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $49,270 ten years after enrollment, or about $1,270 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 43%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $12,640 a year with about $22,000 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 37% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.9%.
What we’re seeing: the strongest online programs pair flexibility with real support and completion, not open enrollment alone. Median earnings of $49,270 and a $12,640 net price show that access and outcomes do not have to be a trade-off.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Empire State University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #3
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #4
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Belhaven University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Salish Kootenai College lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $32,725 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Lamar University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Mayville State University lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Spring Arbor University lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
McMurry University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of West Florida lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Virginia Union University lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Pembroke, NC · 93% accepted · $10,260 net
Why it ranks #13
University of North Carolina at Pembroke lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,407 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,260 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Ursuline College lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,164 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Jackson College lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,898 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,761 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #16
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $102,772 a decade after enrolling, 101% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,116 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Emporia State University lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,601 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,261 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Northern Kentucky University lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,220 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,191 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Blackfeet Community College lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (12/100). Graduates earn a median $22,953 a decade after enrolling, 55% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,410 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
University of West Georgia lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $49,587 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Chadron State College lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,002 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,549 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Fayetteville State University lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Wilkes University lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $63,454 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,743 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Fort Hays State University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $48,928 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,569 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Southern Utah University lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,462 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Sul Ross State University lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $41,871 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,286 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Johns Hopkins University lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (82/100). Graduates earn a median $87,555 a decade after enrolling, 71% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Feather River Community College District lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $38,142 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,800 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Valdosta State University lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,361 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Fitchburg State University lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $53,874 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,262 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Utica University lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,277 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,108 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of Wisconsin-Superior lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $49,606 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,220 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
East Texas A&M University lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Northeastern State University lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,379 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,710 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Black Hills State University lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $46,674 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,911 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Old Dominion University lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,638 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
University of North Dakota lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,552 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Clayton State University lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,179 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Oklahoma Panhandle State University lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,933 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,413 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
University of Nebraska at Kearney lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $50,105 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,242 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Eastern Oregon University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,112 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,148 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Little Rock, AR · 59% accepted · $17,248 net
Why it ranks #44
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $45,265 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Concord University lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $42,703 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,966 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
University of South Dakota lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,926 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Notre Dame of Maryland University lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $65,344 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,169 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
University of Alaska Fairbanks lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $48,866 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Mary Baldwin University lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,427 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,756 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Southern Wesleyan University lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,756 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,464 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
The landscape of online education is broad, especially when it comes to master's programs in Environmental Science. With many professionals looking to advance their careers, cost and quality are key factors in choosing the right program. In fact, the average earnings for graduates in this field hover around $59,987, highlighting the importance of selecting a school that balances affordability and return on investment.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking is a combination of net price, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings. For example, the University of Florida-Online offers the highest earnings of $71,588 and an impressive graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, some options like Bryant & Stratton College-Online have lower earnings and graduation rates, which can significantly impact a student's future financial situation.
Take University of Florida-Online and University of Arkansas Grantham as examples. While Florida graduates earn $71,588 with a graduation rate of 81%, Arkansas students earn only $63,496 and have a graduation rate of just 32%. This stark difference illustrates the potential trade-offs in choosing a more affordable program versus one that offers stronger outcomes. Keep scrolling to explore the full list and see how other schools compare.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
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.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 38 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Sul Ross State University leads the group at 5.2%, with Utica University (5%) and Belhaven University (3.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.3% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. University of West Florida enrolls the most, at 27.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 21.8% across the list, peaking at 58.6% at Johns Hopkins University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.47, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Johns Hopkins University is highest at 1.83.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When we look closely at the data, the differences become clear. For instance, University of Florida-Online stands out with an 81% graduation rate and $71,588 in earnings, while University of Arkansas Grantham lags with only 32% graduation and $63,496 in earnings. This disparity underscores the importance of both completion and post-graduation support, which can lead to better job prospects.
Now that you've seen the rankings, consider your own priorities. Think about factors like location, the specific curriculum offered, and financial considerations. A lower net price might seem appealing, but it’s crucial to weigh that against potential earnings and the likelihood of graduating. What might save money upfront could cost more in the long run if it doesn’t lead to a well-paying job.
Ultimately, choosing a master's program is about more than just academic credentials. It's a pivotal decision that can shape your family's financial future. One small choice can lead to a significant impact on career opportunities and stability. As you evaluate these options, remember that investing in a program with strong outcomes can pave the way to a secure life for you and your loved ones.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus posts the highest median earnings on this list: $102,772 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,213 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Johns Hopkins University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 94%, compared with a 47% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $13,225 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Online Master's in Environmental Science ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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