Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

A ranking of the best online sustainability degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated January 27, 2023

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Do you want to protect the environment? Want to make sure the earth stays healthy and vibrant forever? Companies will pay you to help!

Businesses care about the environment now more than ever, and they need help from trained professionals.

Universities have started offering degrees specifically focused on sustainability. These degrees can focus on policy management, science, engineering, and other concentrations. A degree in sustainability is valuable in the modern, environmentally conscious world.

You can get paid while changing the world for the better!

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What kind of sustainability degree should you get?

A sustainability degree is a gateway to many different professions. Sustainability professionals work in business, construction, government, or health and safety sectors.

One of the benefits of getting a sustainability degree online is the the flexibility of choosing classes. Many colleges listed here offer interdisciplinary online courses, or give credit toward a sustainability-related degree if a student takes classes outside of that major.

If you want to expand beyond sustainability, College Choice has a list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities regardless of major.

How much money do people make with a sustainability degree?

Because of how flexible a sustainability degree can be, direct salaries are hard to measure. Payscale.com shows median salaries for sustainability management positions ranging from $47,115 for Sustainability Coordinators to $104,995 for Sustainability Directors.

Sustainability science professions make similar amounts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for conservation scientists in 2012 was $61,100. Operations Research Analysts made $72,100. Environmental Engineers made $80,890.

You can make a six figure salary while saving the planet!

What can you do with a degree in sustainability?

Every year companies hire more sustainability professionals. In 2016, Greenbiz reported that 46 percent of businesses had an increase in sustainability related positions at their company.

Most highly successful companies have sustainability departments. In 2015, 72 percent of companies with over $1 billion in revenue had sustainability budgets.

Sustainability careers come in a wide variety. They can focus on policy, science, agriculture or management. Here are some related professions:

What are the requirements for a degree in sustainability?

There aren’t any general license requirements for a degree in sustainability. Some programs require previous college credits in order to enroll, but that is at the discretion of the school.

Combining degrees can strengthen your degree in sustainability. For instance, Sustainability Directors may have a degree in business, and Water Conservationists may have a Master’s degree as well as their sustainability Bachelor’s.

What are the best sustainability degrees?

All of the online programs below are regionally accredited, and for most, you get the same degree online that you would if you attended classes on campus! Our researchers took into account student satisfaction with the university, the affordability of the program, and the quality and reputation of the school.

Data on expected earnings come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com. Researchers looked at industry publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Greenbiz, and Sustainabilitydegrees.com to find you the most worthwhile programs.

Best Online Sustainability Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the sustainability field should check out the BS in earth, society, and environmental sustainability at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The bachelor's program is available remotely for the 20,199 online learners receiving a premier education at the public college.

Students prepare for a successful career with the tools they gain in the BS in earth, society, and environmental sustainability program. Enrollees take classes on a variety of subjects, covering both foundational and advanced concepts in the field. Degree-seekers can deepen their industry knowledge with experiential learning opportunities to further their career goals. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. During the degree, students can talk to their academic advisor and career counselor to receive guidance.

Scholarships, fellowships, and other internal and external funding opportunities let applicants decrease their educational expenses. At the college, 64% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,188
Out-of-state
$33,127
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,997
Out-of-state
$28,404
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
51,605
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

University of Massachusetts

  • Amherst, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A Massachusetts school, the University of Massachusetts offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program from its campus in Amherst. The public institution supports 4,643 distance learners across 9 online bachelor’s degree programs. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the BS in sustainable community development appeals to degree-seekers interested in sustainability careers.

Connecting with classmates and instructors in the virtual classroom space helps participants gain the full benefits of the programs' supportive online learning community. Classes covering foundational and advanced topics in provide enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in the field. The hands-on practice learners get in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities builds their competency for a future profession in sustainability. The institution provides degree-seekers with access to student success-focused resources, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.

When preparing for the costs of a degree, students should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. Students at the college enjoy many funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. At the institution, 90% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,014
Out-of-state
$29,529
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Miami, Florida International University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. Online enrollment at the public institution totals 39,863 virtual learners, who can choose from 36 bachelor's programs available remotely. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the bachelor of arts in sustainability and the environment appeals to degree-seekers interested in sustainability.

The sustainability program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to their future careers from classes covering foundational and advanced topics in sustainability. Learners can do experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, to develop skills for a future sustainability job. Degree-seekers enjoy access to institutional resources focused on student success, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.

Learners can lower the cost of a degree in sustainability by working with a financial aid officer to find funding opportunities. The college offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities. In all, 90% of all students receive some form of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

Penn State World Campus

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Penn State World Campus's bachelor's in energy and sustainability policy is a great choice for individuals seeking a flexible education to prepare them for careers in sustainability.

The BA in energy and sustainability policy gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the field. The curriculum includes a variety of coursework, giving enrollees broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced topics. Degree-seekers can deepen their industry knowledge with experiential learning opportunities to further their career goals. Internships, externships, and industry-specific give valuable knowledge to learners. Academic advisors and career counselors assist students through the course of their degree.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,484
Out-of-state
$13,484
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,682
Out-of-state
$21,682
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Most Affordable Online Sustainability Degrees

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Liberty University's BS in green and sustainable management suits individuals seeking a flexible remote education in sustainability. The 30 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the private institution educate 78,511 remote degree-seekers. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners at the Lynchburg, Virginia, college.

Interactive classes provide students with industry knowledge. The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Internships, externships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand experience of working in the field.

Prospective students can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 99% of all enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Fellowships, scholarships, and other types of aid allow learners who meet the proper criteria to bring down degree costs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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