Sustainability Studies at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA · Public · Certificate

A 75% acceptance rate means Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 6,728 students in Slippery Rock, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,169 place Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania below the $37,535 national median for Sustainability Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 25.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Sustainability Studies graduates.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,169 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

With only 4 programs offering Sustainability Studies nationally, this is a niche field. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ranks #4 among them.

Sustainability Studies connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

37 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
37
Score
39
High End
Earnings $25,169/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$263K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
25.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,507
Out-of-state: $14,615
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Sustainability Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Natural sciences managers $161,180 +3.7% 50%
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340 -1.7% 48%
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710 +2.9% 48%
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
+3.7% growth 50% AI-proof
Social scientists and related workers, all other
$100,340
-1.7% growth 48% AI-proof
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
$87,710
+2.9% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Sustainability Studies Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Sustainability Studies — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and 3 other schools.

Read the full Sustainability Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Sustainability Studies Overview

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Sustainability Studies at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sustainability Studies. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How vulnerable is Sustainability Studies to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Sustainability Studies careers, but it may reshape them. At Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, a score of 37/100 already accounts for the 44% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Is Sustainability Studies at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania worth the student debt?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Can you still earn well with Sustainability Studies from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Starting salary is one data point. If Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Sustainability Studies?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Sustainability Studies occupations, such as Environmental Analyst and Soil Conservation Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →