Sustainability Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · Certificate

With a 50% acceptance rate, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 20,189 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

Program Analysis

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's Sustainability Studies graduates start at $40,485/yr — above the $37,535 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 19.7x 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 $23,125 debt-to-$40,485 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 4 programs offering Sustainability Studies nationally, this is a niche field. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus ranks #3 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.

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
46
Score
48
High End
Earnings $40,485/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$424K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
19.7x
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)
$21,524
Out-of-state: $39,890
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,125
6.9 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 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and 3 other schools.

Read the full Sustainability Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Sustainability Studies Overview

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Sustainability Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Sustainability Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sustainability Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Our scenarios model 44% of Sustainability Studies tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's 46/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Sustainability Studies graduates?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Sustainability Studies career paths, including Environmental Analyst. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →