Finding the best affordable colleges for environmental studies bachelor’s degree programs is smart for eco-friendly nature lovers who need to stay on budget. Low-cost environmental studies degrees are fortunately available to complete an in-demand STEM major without heaps of debt. Environmental studies is a passion-driven conservation field where undergrads can find methods for reducing climate change. Global warming poses a devastating threat to our world’s land, natural resources, and people. By 2050, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change expects the Earth will warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Scientists have predicted:
- rising sea levels
- animal species extinction
- melting ice caps
- more extreme weather
In fact, more than 90 percent of ocean coral reef will die in the next two decades. Green efforts must be taken immediately to limit potential harm. Environmental studies majors are leading the fight to save the globe from apocalypse and protect future generations.
Our Methodology
Affordable Schools has researched the most economical environmental studies degree options that won’t leave a drought in your bank account. We began by accessing the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator database. Here we conducted an advanced search for environmental studies majors at the four-year bachelor’s level. We collected an initial pool of 30 high-value environmental studies degree programs. Next, we sorted the bachelor’s programs based on their average annual tuition for full-time attendance of 15 credits per semester. Our team only selected environmental studies schools with in-state tuition of $15,000 and lower. Please note out-of-state tuition prices are still listed below though. We used an affordability point system based on the following rubric.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Then, the AS Staff sought to further evaluate the quality of the most inexpensive environmental studies degree programs. We recorded the student: faculty ratio for each college. This number tells students how interactive on-campus or online courses will be. Schools with lower student: faculty ratios from NCES were prioritized to ensure close interaction with experienced professors. Ratios of 10:1 and lower were also given preference because they suggest more hands-on opportunities to study the environment. Colleges with small class sizes often have more:
- active discussions
- mentoring programs
- research involvement
- internship opportunities
The rubric below helped us arrange our final ordered list of cheap environmental studies degree programs from least to most points awarded.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Environmental Studies Degree Programs
15. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University is a public, land-grant CSU System member. It has 1,620 faculty and 29,586 students from over 100 countries. In 2018, this inexpensive university received a Silver Award from the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. It also won the California Sustainability Champion Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked San Francisco State in its top 301 universities. Sierra magazine named the university the 136th coolest school for environmentalism. San Francisco State was named:
- America’s 226th best value in Money
- fifth best location on Niche
- 182nd most impactful scientific research on Forbes.
The College of Health & Social Sciences offers a B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Studies for undergrads dedicated to saving our ecosystems. These 120-unit, WASC-accredited programs offer students four concentrations:
- environmental sustainability
- natural resource conservation
- humanities & the environment
- urban environment
Each 16-week semester, full-time students take courses from Wetland Ecology to Plant Taxonomy. Majors might also:
- earn the Willie Brown Jr. Fellowship
- join Fossil Free SFSU
- enter the Real Food Challenge
- research in the Geographic Analysis Lab
- study abroad in Costa Rica.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
BS in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,140
Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
14. CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
Total Points: 4
Program Website
CUNY Brooklyn College is New York City’s oldest public, coed liberal arts branch. It was established in 1930. It enrolls14,968 undergrad and 3,183 post-grad students from 139 countries. In April 2019, Brooklyn College was named an REV Clean Energy Campus Challenge Achiever. In 2018 it received National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Gold Star Award. The Wall Street Journal ranked CUNY Brooklyn 443rd overall. Forbes named CUNY Brooklyn the 51st best value and 114th top public school. The university was named:
- America’s 165th hardest admission on Niche
- 55th best education in Washington Monthly
- 64th best diversity by College Factual
The School of Natural & Behavioral Sciences offers a B.A. or B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences. It focuses on examining how the physical world affects humans. The 128-credit, MSCHE-accredited curriculum has an optional Secondary Teacher track for New York State’s 7-12 certification. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA throughout 3000- and 4000-level courses. Courses range from Aquatic Food Resources to Urban Soils. Undergrads can also:
- participate in the Environmental Sciences Analytical Center
- conduct research in Jamaica Bay
- become Compost Volunteers
- join Sustainability Club.
Degree Options:
BA in Earth and Environmental Sciences
BS in Earth and Environmental Sciences
In-State Tuition: $7,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1
13. California State University-Monterey Bay
Marina, CA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
California State University-Monterey Bay is a public, four-year seaside institution opened in 1994. It enrolls 7,545 students and has an 81 percent retention. In July 2018, the university received the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference’s Best Practices Award. With several LEED-certified buildings, Monterey Bay aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The U.S. News & World Report chose CSU-Monterey Bay for the 34th best west education. Times Higher Education featured CSU-Monterey Bay among its top 600 nationally. The university was named:
- America’s 234th most liberal academics on Niche
- 331st top value in Money
- 135th most value-added instruction by The Economist
The School of Natural Sciences offers an inexpensive Environmental Studies BA for a broad introduction to climate change issues. Directed by The 120-credit, WASC-accredited program has two concentrations:
- environmental education
- science for sustainable communities.
Before the capstone project, undergrads tackle insightful courses like:
- Oceanography
- Soil Science
- Ecological Justice
Majors may also:
- intern at Los Arboles Middle School
- contribute to the Pajaro Valley Regeneración Project
- become Certified Interpretation Guides,
- attend S.E.E.D.S. Chapter events.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,143
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,023
Student: Faculty Ratio: 25:1
12. California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
California State University-East Bay is a state-run, multi-campus San Francisco Metro institution. It was created in 1957. It enrolls 15,528 students from 80 countries. In 2016, East Bay won the CSU Facilities Management Award for Best Practice in Sustainability. The university received two awards at the 12th Annual Higher Education Energy Efficiency Competition. The U.S. News & World Report picked ranked it 17th for best regional undergrad teaching. Money magazine chose East Bay as the 169th top value nationwide. It was also named:
- America’s 126th most diverse on Niche
- 108th most affordable in Forbes
- 17th most global by the Institute for International Education.
The College of Science offers a low-cost B.S. in Environmental Science for students seeking entry-level employment remediating problems affecting our air, water, and soil. This 120-unit, WASC-accredited path has an optional Environmental Health Concentration available. High school graduates begin a pre-science core before upper-division courses like Hydrogeology and Hazard Waste Management. Other opportunities at this low-cost university include:
- interning at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- joining Earth Club
- participating in Recycle Mania
- competing for the Harrington Award.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $6,983
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,863
Student: Faculty Ratio: 27:1
11. Florida International University
Miami, FL
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Florida International University is a public, coed ORAU member in Miami. It has an 11-acre Nature Preserve and is home to the Southeast Environmental Research Center. It has 2,338 faculty and 56,886 students of 150 ethnicities. In 2016, FIU received the prestigious Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Center certification. The university was a 2014 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce “Green Means Green” Award finalist. The Wall Street Journal ranked FIU 99th among young universities. Forbes named FIU the 164th best value and 34th best employer. The university was named:
- America’s 78th best big college on Niche
- 56th top public school in Kiplinger’s
- sixth best institution by Financial Times.
The School of Environment, Arts & Society offers an affordable 120-credit BA in Sustainability and the Environment program fully online. The affordable BS in Environmental Studies follows a similar 120-credit, SACS-accredited track. Both integrate upper-division courses like Coastal Hazards and Air Pollution with required senior capstone projects. Students can also:
- access the Stable Isotrope Lab
- help maintain the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
- intern at Algenol
- become Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture
- join Garden Club.
Degree Options:
BA in Sustainability and the Environment
BS in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $6,546
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,954
Student: Faculty Ratio: 27:1
9. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Established in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public, land-grant SUSF member of the Urban 13. It enrolls 9,614 Rattlers from 70. In 2018, Florida A&M received a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Climate Change Research Grant. The university won the 2015 Gulf Guardian Award for Environmental Justice. The Building Green Initiative named Florida A&M the second most eco-friendly HBCU. Diverse Issues in Higher Education highlighted FAMU for the most African-American bachelor’s graduates. The university was also named:
- America’s 168th best public college on Niche
- 224th top value in The Economist
- 100th best school in Washington Monthly.
The School of the Environment offers a low-cost B.A. in Environmental Studies and B.S. in Environmental Science that prepare students to improve our habitat. The 120-credit, SACS-accredited Bachelor of Science has four concentrations:
- sustainability
- environmental policy
- toxicology/risk assessment
- waste management.
Both programs involve courses like Marine Biology and Environmental Ethics. Majors might also:
- apply for the $50,000 EPA Scholarship
- attend the EnergyWaterFoodNexus Summit
- study abroad in Brazil
- work for Recycle With Love.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
BS in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $5,785
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,725
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1
8. University of North Carolina-Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The University of North Carolina-Pembroke is a public, four-year historically Native-American institution founded in 1887. It enrolls 7,137 students from 42 countries. It’s known for its James Porter Environmental Science Scholarship. In 2013, UNCP received the American Institute of Architects’ Sustainability Honor Award. It was a 2019 UNC Board of Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching winner. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UNCP 102nd best Southern education. The Princeton Review featured UNC-Pembroke in its “Guide to 399 Green Colleges.” The university was also named:
- America’s 336th best faculty on Niche
- 42nd best for vets choice in Military Times
- 154th top service school in Washington Monthly.
The Department of Biology offers a low-cost B.S. in Environmental Science that investigates the effects of natural processes. This is a 120-credit, SACS-accredited program. It can be completed with or without the Sustainable Agriculture Track. Undergrads at this inexpensive university are deeply engaged in departmental courses, such as Plant Systematics and Remote Sensing. Hands-on experiences include:
- completing Biotech Center projects
- helping maintain the Crown Bees Community Garden
- presenting at the RISE Research Symposium
- pledging Beta Beta Beta
- contributing to the Biofuels Project.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $3,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,418
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1
7. Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, IN
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Indiana University-South Bend is the third largest public, coed IU branch. It enrolls 4,707 undergraduates and 507 post-graduates from 46 countries. It has a 74 percent retention rate. In 2018, the League of American Bicyclists gave this best-value university the Silver Bicycle-Friendly Community Award. The Green Building Council awarded LEED Silver Certification to South Bend’s dorms in 2010. According to the U.S. News & World Report, IU-South Bend belongs in the Midwest’s top 165 schools. Washington Monthly named IU-South Bend the 544th best master’s institution. It was also named:
- America’s 426th most liberal academics on Niche
- 279th most focused science programs on College Factual.
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers the inexpensive B.A. in Sustainability Studies for in-depth exploration of green, planet-saving solutions. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence requires selecting a minor, such as:
- Biological Sciences
- Health Promotion
- Latin American Studies
Expect project-based courses like Environmental Policy and Natural Disasters that end with the SUST 490 practicum seminar. Students can also:
- research in the Center for a Sustainable Future
- plan Earth Day events
- participate in the eWaste Project
- become Harvey & Eileen Bender Scholars.
Degree Options:
BA in Sustainability Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,344
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,400
Student: Faculty Ratio: 13:1
6. CUNY Hunter College
Manhattan, NY
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Serving 22,918 students from 46 countries, CUNY Hunter College is a diverse public, land-grant New York City institution. In 2018, Hunter was named an REV Clean Energy Campus Challenge Achiever. Annually since 2014, CUNY Hunter has been included on the Princeton Review’s “Guide to 399 Green Colleges.” Times Higher Education picked CUNY Hunter College 320th overall. Forbes named Hunter the 99th top public school. The university was also named America’s 126th best value in Money and 102nd best location on Niche.
Established in 1921, the Department of Geography offers and affordable BA in Environmental Studies. It has high post-grad placement at Harvard, Columbia, Stony Brook, Oregon State, and more. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited degree studies has two concentrations:
- environmental management policy
- environmental earth science
Majors register for upper-division, 3000-level courses like Global Climate Change and Remote Sensing until the senior project. Other opportunities at this low-cost college include:
- taking the Black Rock Forest field trip
- working on the Rodale Institute Experimental Farm
- volunteering with the Green Initiative.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,182
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,852
Student: Faculty Ratio: 12:1
5. Montana State University-Billings
Billings, MT
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Montana State University-Billings is a public, four-year GNAC member, was founded in 1927. It enrolls 4,315 students and is featured by the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy. In 2012, Billings won the Rocky Mountain APPA President’s Award for Sustainability. MSU-Billings received the Department of Education’s 2018 Strengthening Institutions Grant. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Billings among the 127 top Western Region schools. Forbes named MSU-Billings the 224th best value nationwide. It was also named:
- America’s 257th most conservative students on Niche
- 332nd most popular liberal arts programs on College Factual.
The Social Sciences & Cultural Studies Department offers an inexpensive Environmental Studies BA to examine how global atmospheric issues affect human life. The 120-credit, NWCCU-accredited plan spans eight semesters with courses from Our Physical World to Mapping Techniques. Seniors must secure 200-hour internship placements, such as:
- the Montana Conservation Corps
- Interior Department
- Natural History Center.
Students at this top-value university can also:
- engage in the Tribal Relations Project
- explore Yellowstone
- volunteer with the Big Sky Animal Refuge
- enter the Honors Program.
Degree Options:
BA in Environmental Studies
In-State Tuition: $5,928
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,246
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1
4. University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
Total Points: 5
Program Website
The University of Wyoming is a public, land-grant Rocky Mountain Region flagship opened in 1886. It enrolls 13,929 students from 90 countries. It is highly regarded for its Biodiversity Institute. In 2016, UWY earned the American Institute of Architect’s Top 10 Award for its LEED Platinum Visual Arts Facility. The College Sustainability Report Card graded the university “A” for environmental student involvement. Forbes ranked UWY the 141st top value and 362nd best university nationwide. The Center for World University Rankings placed Wyoming 344th for scientific research influence. The university was also named:
- has America’s 40th best agricultural programs on Niche
- 122nd highest social mobility in Washington Monthly.
The Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources has a low-cost BS in Environmental Systems Science that develops statistical analysis skills for researching the Earth. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum can be accessed in Laramie or at select off-campus satellites. Each student builds on courses like Geochemical Cycles with 18-credit minors, such as:
- Forest Resources
- Soil Science
- Zoology
Majors may also:
- practice at the ACRES Student Farm
- trek abroad from Coimbatore to Chamonix
- intern at Grand Teton National Park
- take the Gannett Peak Expedition.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Systems Science
In-State Tuition: $5,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,490
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1
3. University of Alaska-Southeast
Juneau, AK
Total Points: 6
Program Website
The University of Alaska-Southeast is a small public, four-year institution started in 1972. It enrolls 3,765students on Auke Bay and at Sitka or Ketchikan centers. The university is partnered with the Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center. In 2014, the university earned the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Bronze Award. UA-Southeast signed the 2015 American Campus Act on Climate Change Pledge. The U.S. News & World Report put the University of Alaska-Southeast within the 127th best Western Region schools. College Magazine named the university among the top 10 marine science universities. University of Alaska-Southeast was also named:
- America’s 142nd safest campus on Niche
- 310th most diverse school by College Factual
- 177th best value in Washington Monthly
The School of Arts & Science has a low-cost BA or BS in Geography and Environmental Resources fields. Students learn 21st-century problems facing the North Pacific Rim. The 120-credit, NWCCU-accredited program allows Cultural Geography, Environmental Studies, and Outdoor Studies emphases. Students must maintain minimum 2.5 GPAs through courses from Snow Hydrology to Salmon Fisheries. Unique experiences include:
- excavating Taku Glacier
- hiking the Tongass National Forest
- interning at the Eaglecrest Ski Area
- joining Generation Action.
Degree Options:
BA in Geography, Environmental, and Outdoor Studies
BS in Geography and Environmental Resources
In-State Tuition: $7,092
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,856
Student: Faculty Ratio: 10:1
2. Sitting Bull College
Fort Yates, ND
Total Points: 6
Sitting Bull College is a publicly funded, tribal AIHEC member. It was chartered by the Standing Rock Sioux Community Council. It enrolls 317 Native-American students from its reservation of over 2.27 million acres in Fort Yates. In 2018, SBC received the Department of Education’s $1.5 million Office of English Language Acquisition Grant. The college had a North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society 2018 Undergraduate Student Award recipient. College Factual declared SBC the 17th most focused natural resources conservation school. It was graded A+ for safety by Niche. Sitting Bull College was ranked among America’s top 50 by AffordableColleges.com. Insider also highlighted SBC for the sixth cheapest out-of-state tuition.
The Division of Math & Science offers an affordable B.S. in Environmental Science for students seeking tribal careers that appreciate natural beauty. This 120-credit, HLC-accredited bachelor’s has an integrated Natural Resource and Conservation Science emphasis. Required courses, such as Aquatic Ecosystems and Analytical Chemistry, are uniquely informed by Lakota culture. Alumni have an 82 percent job placement at:
- the EPA,
- Standing Rock Tribe Forest Service
- MRI Water
- NASA, and more.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $4,010
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,010
Student: Faculty Ratio: 8:1
1. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
New Town, ND
Total Points: 6
Chartered by the Three Affiliated Tribes, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College is a public, land-grant AIHEC member. It was founded in 1973. It enrolls 329 students with 100 percent admissions. In 2015, the North Dakota Department of Commerce gave NHSC a Workforce Development Grant. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish was awarded a 2010 National Science Foundation Innovation Grant of $1.1 million. College Factual ranked NHSC 32nd nationally for conservation science degrees. Diverse Issues in Higher Education placed NHSC seventh for most Native-American graduates. ProPublica reports impressively low average student debt of $7,491. The college also has Forbes’ 23rd best business climate for graduates.
The Division of Science offers an inexpensive Environmental Science B.S. for undergrads seeking an understanding of how human activity affects our lands. The 128-credit, HLC-accredited major integrates field research into courses from Vertebrate Zoology to Water Quality Management. Students can also:
- intern at Mandaree Enterprises
- join the First Nations Women’s Alliance
- access the Seed Library
- maintain the Four Sisters Community Garden
- apply for American Indian College Fund scholarships.
Degree Options:
BS in Environmental Science
In-State Tuition: $3,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,870
Student: Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jobs are Available With an Affordable Environmental Studies Degree?
Earning a low-cost environmental studies degree is only the beginning of a bright future advocating for Mother Nature’s best interests. Many graduates will become environmental scientists. They will conduct sound research that identifies and measures ecological issues. Some become conservation scientists to oversee protection projects for our nation’s public lands. Fish and game wardens patrol parks to investigate cases of wildlife misuse or abuse. Marine scientists with a high-value environmental studies bachelor’s focus on studying underwater ecosystems. Environmental policy consultants advise organizations on how their practices affect public safety. Graduates can enter many other careers, such as:
- environmental engineer
- water resources technician
- construction waste specialist
- wildlife biologist
- natural sciences manager
- earth science teacher.
A bachelor’s education also helps prepare you for acquiring the Certified Environmental Scientist (CES).
How Much Money Do Low-Cost Environmental Studies Degree Graduates Earn?
Graduating from a low cost environmental studies degree program can provide a strong return on investment because the “green” industry pays very well. In May 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that environmental scientists receive a mean annual wage of $77,580. Environmental engineers reap a higher median salary of $92,640. Environmental protection technicians make significantly less at $50,350 on average. Natural conservation scientists enjoy mean compensation of $61,340 yearly. The United States’ 8,410 foresters earn a median salary of $63,150. Similarly, the average wildlife biologist makes about $63,420 each year. Hydrologists receive a median salary of $84,290 annually. Salary.com shows there’s potential for bachelor’s in environmental studies graduates to reach six figures, too. For instance, chief sustainability officers boast a mean annual wage of $218,729.
What is the Career Outlook After a Best-Value Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies Degree?
Economical environmental studies degree programs set undergrads up for success in in-demand fields hiring plenty of new workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of environmental science technicians will grow 12 percent by 2026 for 4,200 jobs. Environmental scientists will experience 10-year job growth of 11 percent. Demand for conservation scientists is expected to hit 6 percent for 36,600 total positions nationally. From 2016 to 2026, jobs for agricultural scientists will rise by 7 percent. Wildlife biology and environmental engineering employment is growing faster than average at 8 percent. According to Indeed, the states with the most “green” jobs are Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 15 best affordable colleges for an environmental studies degree.
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