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Sustainability Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,957/yr (46% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #4 of 22 Sustainability Studies programs Top 25%

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 $723K $699K $623K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$276,180
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,592
71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,070
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,716
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $53,957 per year, Sustainability Studies graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York significantly outpace the $37,053 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sustainability Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,070 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Columbia University in the City of New York ranks #4 among 22 Sustainability Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $53,957-to-$85,716 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

With just 4% of applicants admitted, Columbia University in the City of New York ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 8,899 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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) 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) George Mason University ($39,329)

Other Majors at Columbia University in the City of New York

Computer Science ($118,636) Operations Research ($110,457) Computer Engineering ($102,083) Applied Mathematics ($91,559) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,019) Economics ($83,135) Mechanical Engineering ($72,036) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($62,895)

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

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sustainability Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sustainability Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sustainability Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Columbia University in the City of New York one of the best schools for Sustainability Studies?
Among 22 Sustainability Studies programs, Columbia University in the City of New York's #4 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Sustainability Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York?
The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $276,180. At a net cost of $80,592, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →