Compare 11 Environmental Design. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $56,573. Top programs: $69,851+.
Environmental Design programs produce graduates earning between $32,000 and $70,000—a $38K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 11 ranked programs, outcomes vary significantly based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The school with the lowest earnings in this field still boasts an 85% graduation rate, proving no single metric tells the full story.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh leads all ranked Environmental Design programs with graduates earning $70K—well above the $57K field average. Auburn University ($63K) and University of Colorado Boulder ($62K), both public institutions, round out the top three, reinforcing that strong program outcomes aren't reserved for the most selective schools. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →: https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. NC State Environmental Design graduates borrow $20,121 in student loans and face just a 5.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' tier. Florida Atlantic University graduates carry even less student debt ($17,236) with a 7.5% burden—also 'Excellent'—at a net price of just $3,022, making it one of the most financially accessible paths to strong Environmental Design outcomes.
Highest program earnings: $69,851
Strong outcomes ($61,788) with 78% acceptance rate
5.8% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
13.5% family burden | Manageable — payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $69,851 | 21 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Manageable | |
| #2 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $62,697 | 27 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Challenging |
| #3 | $61,788 | 150 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | High | |
| #4 | $60,529 | 12 | $18,450 | Excellent | $13,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $59,873 | 25 | $25,000 | Good | $25,947 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $59,090 | 43 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,988 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $56,561 | 58 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $55,647 | 11 | $23,199 | Good | $14,621 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $53,961 | 31 | $17,236 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | University At BuffaloPublic | $49,920 | 76 | $19,000 | Good | $20,734 | Challenging |
| #11 | $32,382 | 10 | $19,500 | High | $25,729 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
