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Sustainability Studies at Aquinas College

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,399/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #17 of 22 Sustainability Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sustainability Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $705K $684K $611K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.4x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,608
51% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,211
135% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,399/yr fall 21% below the $37,053 national median for Sustainability Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 4.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #17 out of 22 programs, Aquinas College's financial outcomes for Sustainability Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,399 to $69,211 over five years (135% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Aquinas College

Aquinas College has a 71% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,201 in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,608 — 51% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Aquinas College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 22 schools offering Sustainability Studies →

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($59,089) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,957) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($50,678) University of New Hampshire-Main Campus ($43,090) University of Northern Colorado ($42,076) Western Washington University ($41,600) Montclair State University ($41,445) Utah State University ($39,679)

Other Majors at Aquinas College

Accounting and Related Services ($63,311) Business/Corporate Communications ($49,378) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,713) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,913) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($33,555) Communication and Media Studies ($31,817) Psychology, General ($31,789) Biology, General ($31,787)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sustainability Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Aquinas College's Sustainability Studies program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Sustainability Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Sustainability Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Sustainability Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Sustainability Studies earnings lower at Aquinas College?
Lower starting pay at Aquinas College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Sustainability Studies at Aquinas College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $154,080, but the average net cost is $75,608 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →