Sustainability Studies at University of Iowa
With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.
Program Analysis
At $34,699/yr, Sustainability Studies graduates from University of Iowa land near the $37,535 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 52.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sustainability Studies programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 44% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Sustainability Studies graduates.
Median debt of $20,036 represents roughly 7 months of the $34,699 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
This program is one of 4 schools offering Sustainability Studies in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.
Five-year earnings of $60,597 show a 75% jump from the $34,699 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Sustainability Studies, including Environmental Analyst (median $80,060/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Sustainability Studies Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Sustainability Studies careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.
Compare & Explore
Sustainability Studies Overview
Sustainability Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Iowa
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.