Compare 10 Environmental Design. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $49,064. Top programs: $63,779+.
Environmental Design programs produce graduates earning between $36,848 and $63,779—a $27K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Environmental Design program leads with graduates earning $63,779, well above the $49,064 average. Florida Atlantic University follows at $55,964, while University of Colorado Boulder rounds out the top three at $52,694—proving that program-specific factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 6.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Florida Atlantic offers the best overall value with a 14.2% family burden, keeping payments manageable for most graduates.
Highest program earnings: $63,779
Strong outcomes with 70% acceptance
6.2% payment burden | Excellent
14.2% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,779 | 30 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,988 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $55,964 | 17 | $17,236 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $52,694 | 141 | $19,500 | Good | $46,340 | High | |
| #4 | $52,109 | 15 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $51,792 | 31 | $25,000 | Good | $25,947 | High | |
| #6 | University At BuffaloPublic | $50,238 | 34 | $19,000 | Good | $20,734 | Challenging |
| #7 | $45,065 | 20 | $18,450 | Good | $13,000 | Challenging | |
| #8 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $44,929 | 33 | $21,000 | Manageable | $43,605 | High |
| #9 | $37,226 | 83 | $19,500 | Challenging | $23,519 | High | |
| #10 | Utah State UniversityPublic | $36,848 | 17 | $14,340 | Manageable | $13,923 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
