Compare 64 Environmental Studies. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $40,299.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Environmental Studies tells a different story. Across 64 programs, earnings range from $40,299 to $55,445—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Denison University's Environmental Studies program leads with graduates earning $55,445, well above the $40,299 regional average. But Iowa State University follows closely at $54,860 with 89% acceptance, while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers $52,391—proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to highly selective institutions.
Highest program earnings: $55,445
Strong outcomes ($54,860) with 89% acceptance
9.0% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
17.8% family burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $55,445 | 25 | $26,000 | Good | $45,521 | High |
| #2 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $54,860 | 89 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | Challenging |
| #3 | $52,391 | 130 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $50,978 | 67 | $19,500 | Good | $34,511 | High | |
| #5 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $50,870 | 26 | $23,250 | Good | $20,800 | Challenging |
| #6 | $50,765 | 34 | $22,024 | Good | $22,127 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $49,880 | 34 | $20,500 | Good | $14,500 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $49,117 | 7 | $21,106 | Good | $13,695 | Challenging | |
| #9 | University Of IowaPublic | $48,825 | 68 | $22,500 | Good | $27,975 | High |
| #10 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $48,822 | 70 | $24,157 | Manageable | $54,045 | High |
| #11 | $48,212 | 26 | $20,500 | Good | $11,092 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $48,074 | 22 | $19,000 | Good | $15,945 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $48,030 | 123 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | High | |
| #14 | $47,929 | 131 | $19,976 | Good | $25,868 | High | |
| #15 | Upper Iowa UniversityPrivate | $47,573 | 23 | $25,000 | Manageable | $14,000 | Challenging |
| #16 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $47,284 | 27 | $22,750 | Manageable | $17,858 | Challenging |
| #17 | $47,091 | 26 | $18,500 | Good | $13,480 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $47,069 | 74 | $23,250 | Manageable | $37,401 | High | |
| #19 | Augustana CollegePrivate | $46,929 | 29 | $27,000 | Manageable | $37,219 | High |
| #20 | $46,411 | 32 | $21,797 | Manageable | $16,998 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $46,193 | 175 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | High | |
| #22 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $45,254 | 24 | $26,774 | Manageable | $34,265 | High |
| #23 | $44,938 | 27 | $18,750 | Good | $18,462 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $44,916 | 13 | $25,000 | Manageable | $12,953 | Challenging | |
| #25 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $44,486 | 23 | $21,250 | Manageable | $27,283 | 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 →
