Sustainability Studies at Florida International University

Miami, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,997/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 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 $414K $422K $408K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.8x 16.1x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.6x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,260
Out-of-state: $75,852 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$36,532
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,432
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,997/yr fall 22% below the $37,053 national median for Sustainability Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sustainability Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,432 against $28,997/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #16 ranking among 22 Sustainability Studies programs places Florida International University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Florida International University

With a 59% acceptance rate, Florida International University is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 38,761 students in Miami, FL. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida International University →

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

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Florida International University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sustainability Studies at Florida International University?
At 29/100, 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 Florida International University?
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 Florida International University a good choice for Sustainability Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Florida International University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →